The Right to Die?: Caring Alternatives to Euthanasia

by Mark Blocher

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802477399
• ISBN13: 9780802477392
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• Length: 212 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Easing human suffering without euthanasia

I came across this book when my church bookstore (sadly) closed down. I guess it had been on the shelves quite a while! But I wanted to hear what someone had to say about euthanasia, because at first blush the concept seems humane and therefore valid. Who could argue about ending the pain of suffering people? Mark Blocher's arguments go beyond the surface, though, and reveal deep flaws in the reasoning behind assisted suicide and indeed, suicide itself. Looked at morally and Biblically, even practically, the concept that euthanasia is the only caring alternative to suffering falls apart. The author believes there are more humane alternatives, such as hospice, church and community assistance and pain management. Much of the book delves into academic and philosophical arguments, but the author personalizes these dense trails of thought with examples that bring them home emotionally. I, too, have seen the value and beauty of hospice care. And, I was struck by his concept that one person's freedom -- the right to die -- is illusory because it impinges on another person's freedom (the right not to kill or assist in killing). A friend of mine who is a pharmacist changed jobs and accepted a lower salary and terrible hours because at his pharmacy he was going to be required to dispense abortion pills. A woman's right to abort impinged on his right not to assist in an abortion. His family life has suffered. I respect this man immensely. Younger readers may not be interested in this topic, but those who are "of a certain age" might find it reassuring. Elderly people in this country are too often considered burdens on the health care system, the pension system, government security nets and the family. It is refreshing to be reminded by Mark Blocher that God does not view anyone's life as having no value.