Physician-assisted death is now legal in six states, and is the subject of intense political and legal battles across the country. As our population ages, the debate continues. What are the main dividing lines in this debate? What are the principal ethical questions involved? Philosopher and ethicist L.W. Sumner equips readers with everything they need to know to take a reasoned and informed position on these and similar questions. He provides much-needed context by situating physician-assisted death within the wider framework of end-of-life care, and explains why the movement to legalize it now enjoys such strong public support by reviewing the movement's successes to date, beginning in Oregon in 1994 and now extending to twelve jurisdictions across three continents. By providing an overview of the main ethical and legal arguments on both sides, Sumner provides a clear and accessible explanation of why we have yet to resolve the controversy. Lastly, he considers the future political and judicial actions that are necessary for broader reform of end-of-life care. All those who care about how we handle end-of-life dilemmas will benefit from Sumner's deeply informed expertise on this important issue.

How should we think about death and dying? -- What is end-of-life care? -- What is the ethical case in favor of physician-assisted death? -- What is the ethical case against? -- What is the history of legal physician-assisted death? -- What are the options for a legal regime? -- What is the case in favor of legalization? -- What is the case against? -- What might lie farther down the road? -- How might legalization be achieved?.