The Basics of Bioethics

The Basics of Bioethics, Fifth Edition offers a compelling introduction to the fascinating, ever-evolving field of bioethics. Accessible and richly informative for readers from all backgrounds, this book provides an essential foundation in theories and concepts, which are then applied to numerous thought-provoking cases and contemporary questions.

Chapters are organized around common moral themes in order to help readers understand the values and other connections that tie together different positions in bioethics. Since the last edition, the field of bioethics has had to grapple with additional challenges, critiques, and difficult decisions. Readers are guided through the ethical complexities of abortion, medical aid in dying, genetic engineering, posthumous reproduction, biomedical research, and organ transplantation, among other topics.

Key changes to the Fifth Edition include:

• A new chapter dedicated to public health emergencies, incorporating key lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic that are relevant for future crisis planning.
• An introduction to disability ethics among non-principlist approaches, which continues to grow in influence in bioethics.
• Statistics and references have been supplemented across all chapters, integrating more international perspectives and data.
• New and updated cases illustrating a range of contemporary bioethical issues.
• Updated references and Key Concepts at the end of each chapter.