Medical Assistance in Dying: A Critical Analysis of International Policies and Practices

Joseph P. DeMarco · Samuel H. LiPuma · Gary E. Jones

Dec 2025 · Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Ebook

245

Pages

Eligible

About this ebook

This book provides an important overview and critical analysis of medical aid in dying (MAiD). Given that the practice is spreading internationally and that protocols for its use vary widely, it is important that the current protocols are carefully scrutinized with respect to their moral and legal foundations. We provide arguments in support of MAiD, generally speaking. We base this support on the notion of rational suicide. We also show that inconsistencies in the protocols for its use raise important moral and legal concerns. We provide a framework for how to critically analyze the various protocols that are currently in place internationally. We then use this framework to suggest changes in some protocols so that they can be enforced more consistently. This will also aid in protecting MAiD from concerns that the practice will fall prey to slippery slope concerns.

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About the author

Joseph P. DeMarco is Professor Emeritus in Philosophy at Cleveland State University, USA. He received his PhD in 1969 from the Pennsylvania State University, USA. His books include A Coherence Theory in Ethics, Moral Theory, The Social Thought of W.E.B. DuBois, Moral Reasoning (with R.M. Fox), and Bioethics in Context (with Gary Jones).

Gary E. Jones is Professor of Philosophy at the University of San Diego, USA. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley, USA, and a Master’s and PhD in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has a JD degree from the University of San Diego and an MPH from Harvard University, USA. Among his most recent books are Bioethics in Context and Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing, both with Joseph DeMarco.

Samuel H. LiPuma holds both Bachelor’s (1984) and Master’s (1986) degrees in philosophy from the University of Dayton, USA. He began his teaching career in higher education in 1991 at Cuyahoga Community College, USA, where he now holds the rank of Professor. He is currently pursuing a PhD in philosophy from Bowling Green State University, USA, in which he is developing a thesis on the abortion issue.

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