Voluntary Euthanasia and the Common Law [Paperback]

Margaret Otlowski investigates the complex and controversial issue of active voluntary euthanasia. She critically examines the criminal law prohibition of medically administered active voluntary euthanasia in common law jurisdictions, and carefully looks at the situation as handled in practice. The evidence of patient demands for active euthanasia and the willingness of some doctors to respond to patients' requests is explored, and an argument for reform of the law is made with reference to the position in the Netherlands (where active voluntary euthanasia is now openly practiced).

Introduction
Preface
Euthanasia Under the Criminal Law
Suicide and Assisted Suicide
The Position in Practice: Doctors' Practices and the Law Applied
The Euthanasia Debate
The Changing Climate For Reform
Moves Towards Reform
The Netherlands
Options for Reform
Appendix: Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1996
Bibliography
Index