Death With Dignity by Robert Orfali

In Death with Dignity, Robert Orfali makes a compelling case for legalized physician-assisted dying. Using the latest data from Oregon and the Netherlands, he puts a fresh new slant on perennial debate topics such as slippery slopes, the integrity of medicine, and sanctity of life. His engaging writing style brings clarity to these issues. The content is thought-provoking; the arguments are well-researched, air-tight, and original.

This extraordinary book provides an in-depth look at how we die in America today. It examines the shortcomings of our end-of-life system. You'll learn about terminal torture in hospital ICUs and about the alternatives: hospice and palliative care. With laser-sharp focus, Orfali scrutinizes the good, the bad, and the ugly. He provides an insightful critique of the practice of palliative sedation. The book makes a strong case that assisted dying complements hospice. By providing both, Oregon now has the best palliative-care system in America. Reading this book, above all, may help you or someone you care about navigate this strange landscape we call end of life. It can be your gentle and informed guide to a good death in the age of hospice and high-tech medical intervention.

Goodreads Summary

I loved how knowledgeable the author was about this issue.  He provides a very strong argument for supporting euthanasia.  He speaks of freedom of choice, informing the reader that in other periods of history humans did not necessarily control their lives, but today they do.  The reader also picks up this book knowing that the author's wife passed away due to ovarian cancer, making this a personal issue as well. 

The short quotes the reader will find scattered throughout the book add to the reader's experience.  They are all relevant to the subject.  The foot notes, indicating the research the author utilized while writing the book, are very helpful to those readers who may look for further information. 

The author provides just enough information without inundating the reader with too much information.  He speaks of hospice and the necessity of good care, the likes of which are not available to everybody.  He provides counterarguments and points where necessary.  This book is highly recommended to adult readers or anyone interested in the subject.

5 Stars

Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository