The Good Death
The New American Search To Reshape The End Of Life
By Marilyn Webb

Foreword by Timothy E. Quill, M.D.
Introduction by Joanne Lynn, M.D.
Published by Bantam Books
Publication date: November, 1997
479 pp.
ISBN: 0553095552 (hard cover)

Synopsis
This book provides a readable, powerful overview of key controversies in modern care for the dying in technologically-advanced cultures. Webb pulls no punches in reviewing the legal, ethical, and political aspects of such controversial topics as assisted suicide and aggressive life support for the dying. We expect this to be on the short list of books which play an important role in influencing public debate on these subjects over the next few years.

Intended for a general audience, the book includes moving case stories to illustrate complex legal, medical, and ethical issues in a way anyone can understand. Webb's poignant descriptions of real deaths show that dying well is possible, but that it is by no means a sure thing.

Each chapter honestly and thoroughly reveals the dilemmas that can occur in a society where medical technology increasingly determines when and how death will take place.

Webb's six years of research brought her to the bedside of dying people in hospitals, hospices, and homes. Along the way she came to understand why most physicians today know less about the dying process than their counterparts did at the turn of the century. Major failings of the American death care system include inadequate pain management, failure to respect patient wishes for care, and institutional care decisions driven by financial and liability considerations rather than compassion. On the positive side, Webb notes promising new models for "midwives to the dying" based in the hospice movement, as well as the healing and spiritual gifts that the dying can enable among those who love them.

The book closes with Webb's observations on what elements are needed for a good death, and a list of ten major reforms which she considers essential to improve the quality of care for the dying.

Author Marilyn Webb formerly was Editor In Chief of Psychology Today and Senior Editor at Women's Day and Us magazines. Timothy Quill, M.D., is a leading figure in the death with dignity movement and was a party in the 1997 Supreme Court cases which established that there is no uniform constitutional "right to die" in the United States. Joanne Lynn, M.D., is one of the world's leading medical authorities on quality improvement for terminal care. Together these people make an impressive team.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword by Timothy E. Quill, M.D.

Introduction by Joanne Lynn, M.D.

A Personal Introduction

1. Dying Well: The Death Of Judith Obodov Hardin

2. The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Beyond The Age Of Medical Miracles

3. Dying Hard: The Death Of Peter Ciccone

4. When Death Becomes A Blessing: The Problem Of Pain

5. Tough Love: The Legacy Of Karen Ann Quinlan

6. Who Decides? Law and Politics at the Edges Of Life

7. Bearing The Burden: Families In Distress

8. Hospice: The Birth Of The Modern Art Of Dying

9. New American Sacred: The Return Of Prepared Dying

10. Wisdom's Portraits: Midwives at Death's Door

11. Dr. Kevorkian's Challenge: Two Deaths In Michigan

12. Assisted Dying: The Search For The Least Worst Death

Conclusion: Toward A New Kind Of Hope

Epilogue: The Good Death Of Jack Sheedy

Notes

Index