Euthanasia and the Ethics of a Doctor's Decisions: An Argument Against Assisted Dying

Ole Hartling, a physician, professor, and former chairman of the Danish Council of Ethics, presents a sceptical stance towards euthanasia and assisted suicide. He questions whether the answer to suffering is to remove the sufferer and whether self-determination in dying and death is an illusion. He references medical literature and shares patients' narratives to personalize the ethical arguments and show how the intentions of doing something good can lead to greater dilemmas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Why do so many doctors have profound misgivings about the push to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide? Ole Hartling, a physician, university professor, and former chairman of the Danish Council of Ethics, delves into the complexities of this debate, offering a fresh perspective. Recognising that assisted dying can be motivated by an unquenchable desire for control, Hartling focuses on two fundamental questions: whether removing the sufferer is the answer to suffering, and whether self-determination in dying and death is an illusion. Drawing on his extensive experience as a medical doctor, he personalises the ethical arguments, shares patient narratives, and references medical literature. This essay adopts a sceptical stance towards euthanasia, respectful of those with different opinions and well-informed about the details and nuances of various euthanasia practices. Written from a Scandinavian perspective, where respect for autonomy and high-quality palliative care coexist, Hartling's contribution is nuanced and valuable. He demonstrates how well-intentioned actions can lead to even greater dilemmas, exposing us to situations where the inclination to end suffering by ending life conflicts deeply with the clinician's moral compass and the empathy of fellow human beings.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350186224