Bioethics in a liberal society; the political framework for bioethics decision making. (reprint, 2002).

9780801892820

Bioethics in a liberal society; the political framework for bioethics decision making. (reprint, 2002)

May, Thomas.

Johns Hopkins U. Press

2009

135 pages

$25.00

Paperback

R724

May (bioethics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee) reviews the major points in the ongoing debate in health care concerning a patient's right to demand or refuse treatment. The problem, he stresses, is discerning how far one should go, in a society that values individual freedoms, in permitting people to decide not to take medicine or have procedures that may save their lives. Along with this is the question of judging whether or not a patient understands the implications of treatment or lack thereof. He also discusses the thorny issue of the rights of parents to refuse care for their children because of religious beliefs. He also concerns himself with the well-intentioned but paternalistic attitude of some doctors and hospitals. To help in achieving the goal of patient autonomy as well as having an understanding of their options, he advocates the use of medical ethics committees who can review cases and appoint ombudsmen. Many examples of specific cases illustrate both the dilemmas and possible solutions.

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