Drawing on the author's experience in two decades of teaching medical ethics in America at top universities and medical schools and his work as a practising psychiatrist, this innovative book confronts readers with complex, disturbing scenarios. Some cases are pulled from the headlines, others are loosely based on cases reported in the professional press. Several (hidden identities) come from the author's own clinical encounters. Each scenario is followed by a brief reflection on how various contemporary leaders (ethicists, philosophers, courts, political commentators, scientists and doctors) have addressed the underlying issues.
The book confronts the reader with the question What would you do?
- The daughter is tested to see if she is fit to donate a kidney to her father. The test shows that she is not the man's biological daughter. Should the doctor tell the father? Or the daughter?
- Deaf couple prefer a deaf child. Should they be allowed to use medical technology to have a child who cannot hear?
- Who should receive custody of an embryo created by in vitro fertilisation when a couple divorces?
- Or, when you or a loved one is on life support, who says you are dead?
Dr Appel tackles important issues that many of us will face: genetic testing, sexuality, privacy, doctor-patient confidentiality. He unpacks each hypothetical with a brief reflection drawn from science, philosophy and history, explaining how others have approached these controversies in real cases.
Reviews
"An original, fascinating and provocative analysis of ethical problems in our society, with thoughtful and balanced commentary. I have not seen anything like it." -Alan Lightman, author of Einstein's Dreams
"Appel's scenario-based approach works well as readers are challenged to consider the morality of decisions made in our increasingly complex medical world. An easy to digest compendium of bioethical issues that gives much food for thought ".
- Kirkus Reviews
"Dr. Appel has done the public and health professionals a service in his remarkable book by clearly illustrating the current and evolving ethical issues facing us. It is a provocative and informative read for all! "
-Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States