Edited by Thomas A. Shannon, this series provides anthologies of critical essays and reflections by leading ethicists in four pivotal areas: reproductive technologies, genetic technologies, death and dying, and health care policy. The goal of this series is twofold: first, to provide a set of readers on thematic topics for introductory or survey courses in bioethics or for courses with a particular theme or time limitation. Second, each of the readers in this series is designed to help students focus more thoroughly and effectively on specific topics that flesh out the ethical issues at the core of bioethics. The series is also highly accessible to general readers interested in bioethics.

Over a decade ago the field of bioethics was established in response to the increased control over the design of living organisms afforded by both medical genetics and biotechnology. Since its introduction, bioethics has become established as an academic discipline with journals and professional societies, is covered regularly in the media, and affects people everyday around the globe.

In response to the increasing need for information about medical genetics and biotechnology as well as the ethical issues these fields raise, Sheed & Ward proudly presents theReadings in Bioethics Series. Edited by Thomas A. Shannon, the series provides anthologies of critical essays and reflections by leading ethicists in four pivotal areas: reproductive technologies, genetic technologies, death and dying, and health care policy. The goal of this series is twofold: first, to provide a set of readers on thematic topics for introductory or survey courses in bioethics or for courses with a particular theme or time limitation. Second, each of the readers in this series is designed to help students focus more thoroughly and effectively on specific topics that flesh out the ethical issues at the core of bioethics. The series is also highly accessible to general readers interested in bioethics.

This volume collects critical essays by leading scholars on the definition of death, consciousness, quality of life, tube feeding, pallative care, physician-assisted suicide and the debate on euthanasia. Included in this volume are works by Paul B. Bascom, David DeGrazia, Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Kathleen Foley, Herbert Hendin, Michael Panicola, Stephen G. Post, Thomas A. Shannon, Charles F. von Gunten, Susan W. Tolle.

Chapter 1 Biology, Consciousness, and the Definition of Death
Chapter 2 Catholic Teaching on Prolonging Life: Setting the Record Straight
Chapter 3 Tube Feeding and Advance Progressive Dementia
Chapter 4 Secondary and Tertiary Pallative Care in the US Hospitals
Chapter 5 The Oregon Report: Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Chapter 6 Responding to Requests for Physician-Assisted Suicide: These Are Uncharted Waters for Both of Us...
Chapter 7 Physician-Assisted Suicide: Ten Questions
Chapter 8 I Could Not Give Her Health but I Could Give Her Rest: It's Over, Debbie
Chapter 9 The History of Euthanasia Debates in the United States and Britain
Chapter 10 Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act