Centre for Policy on Ageing



Euthanasia — a pragmatic approach
Author(s)	Steven Dowd, Ruth Davidhizar
Journal title	Elderly Care, vol 10, no 3, June/July 1998
Pages	pp 16-19
Keywords	Death ; Euthanasia ; Social ethics ; United States of America ; Netherlands.
Annotation	It is unlikely that there will ever be a simple resolution of the euthanasia debate, and perhaps there should not be. However, any policy in a pluralistic society should be based on the wishes of the individual, so long as those wishes do not adversely affect others. The authors look at American cultural views of death and euthanasia, and offer a perspective on how the method of euthanasia in the Netherlands - where it has been decriminalised without being made legal - informs the debate. The article thus supports the proponent view of euthanasia - that it can be beneficial, as it affirms individual autonomy. Compassionate carers must consider the arguments in order to determine their own stand on the issue. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-980731003 A
Classmark	CW: CY: TQ: 7T: 76H
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.