Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide

Father Manning does a wonderful job describing the historical background of euthanasia and developing a frame of reference for the discussion of euthanasia in today's society. In exploring the concepts of self-determination, compassionate care for the dying and the important disctinction between killing and allowing to die, Father Manning quickly brings the reader up to speed on the subject. The author goes further into the ethics of euthanasia by presenting the slippery slope argument and the principle of the common good. The book has an extensive bibliography and citations from varied sources that include leading ethicists, as well as Cardinal Bernadin and Pope John Paul II. Father Manning's intelligent prose draws the reader into serious contemplation of this complex topic. Filled with many points-of-departure for thought and prayer!

The author of this book launched a second career as a priest. He now serves as pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Hamilton Township, NJ. Manning comments :"There's a sense of fatalism that can seize people of good will. That's why it's so important that we talk about it." Manning brings a unique and knowledgeable perspective to this crucial issue. As a physician he speaks from experience. As a priest/ethicist he brings moral/spiritual depth to the discussion. The whole issue of euthanasia brings to mind the easy accommodation that Nazi doctors reached regarding their horrendous experimentation on the "expendable" Jews and other victims in the Holocaust. What looks like a humane issue at first glance, yields disturbing portents upon further examination. Read Manning's book !