Main description:

An overview essay, chronology, and approximately 50 reference entries provide critical information about euthanasia as a religious, political, and social issue.

Euthanasia is often described as merely a political problem. When pushed, people in the debate will admit that it is a medical problem. Both frameworks, however, miss or undersell the extent to which religion plays a role in shaping the debates. With a focus on American society since 1950, this book places euthanasia in its religious, political, and social contexts and adds to the debate about what kinds of control we have over our bodies."

The book begins with an overview essay exploring the background of euthanasia and its varied contexts. A chronology highlights key events related to the history of euthanasia, and approximately 50 alphabetically arranged reference entries provide fundamental, objective information about social, political, and religious topics related to euthanasia. Entries provide cross-references and suggestions for further reading. The book closes with an annotated bibliography of the most important broad works suitable for student research.

A chronology highlights key events related to euthanasia

An overview essay discusses the background and contexts of euthanasia as a religious, political, and social issue

Approximately 50 alphabetically arranged reference entries provide objective, fundamental information about topics related to euthanasia in modern society

An annotated bibliography cites and comments on the most important broad works related to the social contexts surrounding euthanasia