Description
Book SynopsisOver the years, average life expectancy in America has nearly doubled, due largely to scientific and medical advances, but also as a consequence of safer working conditions, a heightened awareness of the importance of diet and health, and other factors. This title surveys the constitutional arguments that have driven the right to die debate.
Trade Review"A comprehensive and engaging history of the legal and political battles in courts and legislatures to recognize terminally-ill individuals' 'right to die with dignity.' A timely and informed contribution to an important and growing debate." -- David M. O'Brien,Spicer Professor, Department of Politics, University of Virginia
"Comprehensive, thoroughly engrossing, surprisingly balanced! At Liberty to Die is certain to become the definitive history of the wrenching debate over physician assisted death. Highly recommended!" -- Tinsley E. Yarbrough,Emeritus professor of Political Science, East Carolina University
"In his recently published book, Howard Ball does a superb job of documenting and explaining the key legal principles that frame the right-to-die debate in the United States.At Liberty to Die: The Battle for Death with Dignity in America illustrates clearly that jurisprudential matters are Ball's strong suit, and he plays his cards well, touching on all the key court cases while also covering the battles to enact right-to-die legislation in several states. The writing is crisp; the key points of disagreement are clearly laid out, the coverage is both balanced and comprehensive, and the context of the legal maneuvering provided by Ball throughout make his book an interesting as well as an educational read." -- James M. Hoefler,Political Science Quarterly
"Professor Ball provides an informative, thoughtful, and well-documented analysis...deftly set against a portrayal of the changing nature of death and dying in Americaespecially the locus of death and its attendant circumstancesa back story that is essential for understanding the impetus undergirding rights claims during this period." -- Daniel Hillyard,Southern Illinois University Carbondale
"In this valuable presentation of a large, important topic, Howard Ball skillfully narrates the history of the key cases and the legal, medical and political developments in a fast-moving process." * Metapsychology *
"Ball here makes an important contribution to the growing literature on end-of-life issues with this legal history of the right to die in America....Law and political science students, along with activists, will find this a helpful book owing to its careful analysis of legislative and judicial actions across different states over the last 15 years as well as its careful delineation of the legal issues that animate debates over physician-assisted death." * Library Journal *
"Ball's arguments are concise, compelling, and backed with considerable case law. This volume is highly recommended for upper-level undergraduates and above in law, philosophy, and the medical humanities interested in the 'right to die' debates. Summing up: Highly recommended." * Choice *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 The Changing Nature of Death in America 2 The Plight of the Incompetent Patient in a "Permanent Vegetative State" (PVS) 3 Terri Schiavo's Tragic Odyssey, 1990-2005 4 What Freedom Do We Have to Die with Dignity? The U.S. Supreme Court Decides, 1997 5 The Second Path to PAD: Passing Legislation Allowing Death with Dignity 6 The Pioneering PAD States: Oregon and Washington 7 America's Transplants Notes Cases Cited Bibliography Index About the Author
