Consolations in a Void. "The Right To Die? An Examination of the Euthanasia Debate" by Miriam Cosic. [review]

Abstract

Drawing on philosophical research and countless interviews with patients, families, health professionals and politicians confronting what decisions are to be made at the end of life, Cosic conveys very effectively the range and complexity of the issues. The euthanasia literature already features many books recounting moving and excruciating stories of the deaths of loved ones, and many academic textbooks reviewing the ethical and religious arguments for and against voluntary euthanasia. "The Right to Die?" successfully combines these two genres, locating the basic ethical concepts and principles in the reality of death and dying in a range of settings and countries. The book documents the cruel march of terminal illness and the agonising decisions that face patients, their bodies wasted by diseases.