Life and Death with Liberty and Justice

Book excerpt: "This is a systematic and detailed treatment of the life and death issues which are currently raised, often in confused and intense fashion, under the headings of "euthanasia" or "death with dignity." There is no single euthanasia question, but rather a complex of related matters, both legal and ethical. The authors analyze euthanasia an find them radically inconsistent with the American ideal of liberty and justice for all. The ideal is seen by the authors as a framework for the efforts of those who desire a just protection for the lives of the unborn, the retarded, the insane, and the aged poor. The authors demonstrate that fair laws which respect the liberties of all will not, for example, permit mercy killing or deny deserved medical treatment merely because some people fail to meet standards, as established by others, for a minimum quality of life. Detailed proposals are offered for specific legislation and constitutional amendments to restore or ensure protection for the right to life and other rights. The last three chapters of this study bear directly on ethical questions. An ethical theory consistent with the sanctity of human life is proposed, and the theories underlying proeuthanasia proposals are criticized. The author's theory is applied to various matters involving life and death, and an ethical defense is provided for the ideal of liberty and justice as a basis for good law."--from back cover.