Exposing Vulnerable People to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

Exposing Vulnerable People to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide Alex Schadenberg Foreword by Kevin Andrews Paperback, 80 pages ISBN 9781922168276 Synopsis Supporters of euthanasia and assisted suicide frequently present Belgium as evidence that such practices can be legalised, regulated and safely contained. Alex Schadenberg challenges that claim by examining Belgium’s euthanasia system and the evidence used to defend it. Drawing upon official reports, academic studies, court decisions and documented cases, Schadenberg argues that the public record does not reveal the full extent of euthanasia in Belgium. He examines failures in reporting, cases involving patients who did not provide an explicit request, and the particular risks faced by elderly people, people with disabilities and those living with serious or chronic illnesses. The book also considers how Belgium’s experience has been represented in influential inquiries and legal proceedings in Canada, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Schadenberg contends that important evidence has been overlooked or insufficiently examined by policymakers considering similar legislation. Direct, closely argued and deeply concerned with the protection of human life, this book offers a powerful contribution to the international debate surrounding euthanasia, assisted suicide, medical ethics and end-of-life care. It is essential reading for legislators, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, students and anyone concerned about the consequences of legalising assisted death. Categories Bioethics Euthanasia and assisted suicide Politics and public policy Medical ethics Religion and society Keywords Alex Schadenberg; euthanasia; assisted suicide; voluntary assisted dying; vulnerable people; Belgium euthanasia laws; end-of-life care; medical ethics; bioethics; palliative care; disability rights; elderly people; patient protection; right to life; euthanasia legislation; assisted dying laws; healthcare policy; informed consent; safeguards; human dignity; Kevin Andrews; Euthanasia Prevention Coalition; Connor Court Publishing