Life's Worth ― The Case Against Assisted Suicide

Over the course of four interconnected, tightly reasoned arguments, Dyck takes readers from a basic concern for human suffering - the main focus of those who support assisted suicide - to the deeper truths of life's inherent worth. He begins by examining the arguments of some physicians, moral philosophers, and theologians for making assisted suicide available. He also discusses the alternative practice of "comfort only care," explaining why it differs morally from assisted suicide and euthanasia. Dyck then explores and defends the moral structure underlying the West's long tradition of homocide law as well as current law against assisted suicide and euthanasia - laws designed to protect both freedom and human life. Finally, Dyck shows that the moral structure undergirding our system of law is compatible with the views of Christianity, and he points to certain Christian beliefs that provide comfort and hope to those who are suffering, dying, or experiencing the death of loved ones.

Arthur J. Dyck is Mary B. Saltonstall Professor of Population Ethics at the Harvard School of Public Health, and codirector of the Kennedy Interfaculty Program in Medical Ethics, Harvard University.