Euthanasia has become increasingly contentious as populations age and medical and scientific advances continue to transform and extend life. Gail Tulloch examines the key philosophical issues that underpin the practice of and debates concerning euthanasia, including the centrality of choice in being human and changing conceptions of death in the face of medical, scientific, and technological advances.

Tulloch develops a conception of dignity that can promote a broad ethical consensus in a liberal democracy and does not depend on religious assumptions. She also discusses landmark cases and the approaches adopted in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Australia.