Medical Ethics

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-- Jussim has done an impressive job with a difficult topic, keeping his personal biases out of evidence. The scope of the book is wide, covering such issues as organ transplants; the questions involved in quality-of-life issues of the critically ill, both infant and adult; women's reproductive rights versus the rights of a fetus; the right of a physician to deny treatment to AIDS patients; and many other controversies. Of particular interest to YAs will be the chapters on the rights of teens to express opinions about, or to determine, their own medical treatment apart from their families' views. The questions presented are answered from both sides of the spectrum, and every effort has been made to provide objective coverage. The writing is clear, concise, and interesting. Organization is excellent, and the chapter bibliographies will be invaluable for reports. The summary chapter and listing of landmark legal cases as well as an appendix add to the usefulness of a truly excellent work. --Trish Ebbatson, Delaware County District Library, OH