Written with sensitivity, grace, and even-handed authority, Easeful Death provides a clearly reasoned assessment of arguments both for and against the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia. Drawing on the experience of Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States, the authors explore the philosophical and ethical views on both sides of the debate, and examine how different legislative proposals would affect different members of society, from the very young to the very old. They describe the practical, medical processes of palliative care, self-denial of food and water, assisted dying and euthanasia, and ultimately conclude that the public is ready to embrace a more compassionate approach to assisted dying and that the dying themselves deserve a greater say in the timing and manner of their deaths. Whatever the results of the legislative debate, compassion must be the guiding principle in the way we treat people who are dying or want to die.