Euthanasia Should Be Legitimized - Annotated Bibliography Example

Interestingly, only 33% of the physicians would be willing to prescribe drugs to patients so that they had the option to overdose, suggesting that there may be a discrepancy between the number who find it morally justifiable and those who would actually carry out the practice.

Keown, J. (1997). Euthanasia examined: ethical, clinical and legal perspectives. Cambridge Univ Pr.

This book examines euthanasia from a number of perspectives and is thus interesting and important in examining the practice from a wider angle. The book gives a significant number of arguments for and against the practice, leading to no significant-conclusion, meaning that it is less likely to be biased and will provide a good basis for any argument on the topic, from a  number of perspectives. The clinical and legal perspectives suggest that the topic may be more straightforward, whilst the ethical perspectives examine moral arguments from various religions and other areas, providing and well-rounded view of the topic.

Rachels, J. (1975). Active and passive euthanasia. New England journal of medicine, 292(2), 78–80.

This is a slightly dated but important analysis of the two distinct types of euthanasia; active and passive. Active euthanasia is defined as an immoral act, which has similarities to what would be considered a ‘standard’ murder. Passive euthanasia is that which would be more morally acceptable to society. By examining these distinctions, Rachels (1975) suggests that there should be no differentiation between the two types, as active euthanasia can sometimes be more humane than the passive counterpart, and argues comprehensively for the need for euthanasia in many clinical situations. Rachels (1975) suggests that the distinction between the two is based upon a traditional and outdated moral code, which should be abolished in the search for humane and dignified death where it is appropriate.

Torr, J. D. (2000). Euthanasia: opposing viewpoints. Greenhaven Press.

This book is a general book about the two main opposing viewpoints in euthanasia. This book does not come to a significant conclusion and is, therefore, a useful basis for anyone investigating euthanasia and looking for a number of arguments to be used in a paper. This book covers arguments from ethical, moral, medical and legal perspectives, making it useful for anyone looking for information about euthanasia from a number of fields. The book is well-rounded and carries a number of examples for the consideration of the reader, which is not often used in more specific academic papers.

Ward, B., & Tate, P. (1994). Attitudes among NHS doctors to requests for euthanasia. BMJ, 308(6940), 1332–1334.