Euthanasia and Palliative Care in the Low Countries

edited by P. Schotsmans and T. Meulenbergs

Book cover: Euthanasia and Palliative Care in the Low Countries

Extent: 264 pages

Publisher: Peeters Publishers

Subjects: Medicine, Philosophy

Series: Ethical Perspectives Monograph Series

Series volume number: 3

Language: English

(Paperback) (Published)

(January 2005)

ISBN: 9789042915565

Price: $44.00

In stock

Belgium and the Netherlands – the Low Countries – are the first countries in the world to have legalized euthanasia. Physicians who terminate life at the patient’s request no longer have to fear criminal prosecution. However, end-of-life legislation in the Low Countries has provoked diverse responses and sparked vigorous and divisive ethical debate. For some, the new legislation has become a shining example; for others it is a lamentable materialization of a culture of death. Euthanasia and Palliative Care in the Low Countries provides an overview and comparison of the legal specifics of the Belgian and Dutch Euthanasia Acts, a discussion of palliative care initiatives and an ethical examination of the new legislation. In addition, the book provides an in-depth analysis of the arguments used in the end-of-life debate and a critical examination of the positions taken by the churches. The book concludes with an overview of how Christian health-care institutions accommodate to this new legal situation.

  • Edited by T Meulenbergs
  • Edited by P Schotsmans