Easier Said Than Done: Moral Decisions in Medical Uncertainty

Confronting challenging medical-ethical questions, Heifetz ( The Right to Die ) takes controversial stands which he supports with reasoned arguments. Advocating self-determination and the avoidance of harm to self, family and community, he suggests that principles of non-maleficence, patient autonomy, the common good and beneficence be weighed and prioritized in any given situation. After laying the philosophical foundation for his positions in a turgid first chapter, he brings the text to life with case histories and examples, discussing doctor-patient relationships, abortion, suicide, euthanasia and other issues. Heifetz believes euthanasia is a morally justifiable choice but must be monitored by ethics committees, and argues that women have the right to decide whether to have abortions. Illuminating the legal dilemmas faced by doctors who are struggling at the same time with ethical and social issues, Heifetz offers concrete proposals for legislation in various related areas in his useful, provocative book. (July)