Few issues set off such impassioned debate as euthanasia and assisted suicide, but until now, no one has shown what their practice means in the actual experience of patients, doctors, and families.

Herbert Hendin has studied such experience in the United States and also in the Netherlands, where assisted suicide and euthanasia are accepted. Using interviews with leading medical and legal architects of Dutch practices, and evaluating actual cases, Dr. Hendin addresses the difficult questions: Who actually makes the decision that a patient will die? How do the needs and character of family, friends, and doctors affect the choice? Throughout the book and in his conclusion, Dr. Hendin shows what we can do to find better options for those facing the final phase of life.

About the Author
Herbert Hendin, M.D., is executive director of the American Suicide Foundation and professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College. He lives in New York.

Reviews
"A powerful contribution to this debate." -- Charles E. Rosenberg - New York Times Book Review
"Starred Review. [An] important and alarming report." -- Publishers Weekly



Book Information
ISBN 9780393317916
Author Herbert Hendin
Format Paperback
Page Count 306
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 393g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 140mm * 20mm