Easeful Death: Is There a Case for Assisted Dying? by Mary Warnock, Elisabeth Macdonald

ISBN: 9780199561841

Oxford University Press, 26 February 2009

Paperback, 176 pages

A clear, compassionate exploration of one of society’s most sensitive ethical issues, Easeful Death: Is There a Case for Assisted Dying? sets out the principal arguments both for and against the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia. Drawing on philosophical analysis, legal debate, and real‑world examples from countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and the U.S. state of Oregon, the authors examine how different legislative frameworks affect individuals across age and circumstance. The book also discusses the medical and practical aspects of end‑of‑life care, including palliative care, the withholding of food and water, and assisted dying practices. Throughout, Warnock and Macdonald emphasise the need for compassion and respect for autonomy in shaping public policy and caring for people facing intolerable suffering.