Euthanasia: The "Right to Die" Issue

Chris Sherman

Jussim does an admirable job of explaining the complex emotional and legal entanglements that surround the issue of euthanasia. However, his presentation is so balanced that it forces readers to make their own decisions about the issue. He carefully defines active and passive euthanasia, citing examples of each, and explores legal aspects of the question. He includes in his discussion information on recent legislation in Michigan that makes physician-assisted suicide a criminal offense, a measure undertaken to prevent the continued activities of Dr. Jack ("Dr. Death") Kevorkian; the defeat of legislative Initiative 119 in Washington, which sought to legalize active euthanasia outright; the effects of the legalization of euthanasia in the Netherlands; and a discussion of Derek Humphrey's book "Final Exit", the controversial "suicide manual" that became a best-seller. Browsers as well as students debating the right-to-die issue will find the book very provocative. A list of advocacy groups and detailed source notes is provided.