The Right to Live: The Right to Die

by C. Everett Koop

Excellent Book

Paperback

First published December 1, 1980

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former Atty. Gen. C Everett Koop's book is very dated, but getting his perspective as a doctor who treated infants with extremely serious health conditions was interesting. The most memorable thing in this book was his statement that even though he has treated many "defective" children, no parent has ever come to him and said that they were sorry he saved their child, no matter how greatly handicapped the child turned out to be. And even though many of the children he treated are now adults, none of them have ever asked him why he struggled so hard to save their lives or said that they would've been better off not saved. Sometimes the lives of disabled people are more valuable to them than able-bodied people would think.

[Jessica Mather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a bit dated, this book offers the valuable perspective of a famous surgeon on the topics of abortion and "death with dignity". He has some excellent points, and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about these topics. It would probably be helpful to couple this book with something a little more recent, since there have been developments in both of these topics since the 70s when this was originally written.

[Kevin Hu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerfully written, lots of wisdom. Things have certainly changed a lot since this came out, but to see Koop's thought process is very edifying and challenging.

[Holy Spirit]

179.76 KOO

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please find a copy of this out of print book and read it.
C. Everett Koop, who later became the Surgeon General under Reagan, writes profoundly about the controversial issues of abortion and euthanasia with startling clarity. The author explores theology, morality, and ethics.