Dax's Case: Essays in Medical Ethics and Human Meaning

Book Overview

0870742787|9780870742781. Dax's Case: Essays in Medical Ethics and Human Meaning published in the year 1989 was published by Southern Methodist University Press. View 117 more books by Southern... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0870742787
• ISBN13: 9780870742781
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Southern Methodist Univ Pr
• Length: 221 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.8" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

A Case of Right-To-Die in Texas

This is, literally, a textbook case for medical ethics and the right-to-die -- to determine one's own destiny. In 1973 "Dax" was critically injured in a propane gas explosion that took his father's life and burned more than 65% of Dax's own body. For more than a year, Dax underwent painful treatment. In the end he was left totally blind, permanently disfigured, and severely maimed. Today, Dax lives productively and in reasonable comfort, practicing law in Henderson, Texas. His story would seem a tragedy with a happy ending. But it is far more complex than that interpretation would suggest, for Dax Cowart wanted to be allowed to die following his accident - and he believes even now that he should have been granted that escape from his suffering. His story embodies a range of medical, moral, and legal questions that challenge professionals in many fields and confront individuals in every walk of life. How do we define "life" and "death?" When do we withdraw life support. Who makes such decisions? A cautionary tale if ever there was one.