Medical Ethics, Fourth Edition

"This fine book is primarily about the sources, both theological and moral, or Catholic moral teachings. The reader will find a clear and practical guide that informs faithful and series moral thinking about important medical choices. ... This new edition of a now classic book remains a trusted resource and proven roadmap to guide us along an important and challenging moral path."—Theological Studies

"A clear and practical guide that informs faithful and serious moral thinking about important medical choicesa trusted resource and proven roadmap to guide us along an important and challenging moral path."—Theological Studies

"This updated edition of O'Rourke and Boyle's highly regarded compendium of Roman Catholic teachings and documents on medical ethics is an indispensable resource for health professionals in their daily work and for scholars and students wishing to stay abreast of the full range of professional discourse in bioethics."—Edmund D. Pellegrino, MD, professor emeritus of medicine and medical ethics, Georgetown University

"This fourth edition is an invaluable volume. It brings together two seasoned theologians/ethicists, seasoned both in their intellectual preparation and experience in the clinical settings. They give us the Church's teaching in the Church's own words and an explanation of what it means in the clinical realities of today. Many clinicians, board members, and sponsors will benefit from this wonderful work."—Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive officer, Catholic Health Association

"If in your research or teaching, you've ever asked, 'Where does that teaching come from?' this book will provide the answer. Like its predecessors, the fourth edition provides direct references with ample textual citations from a multitude of official Church documents ranging from papal encyclicals to the ERDs to statements by national bishops' conferences. The expansion of introductory sections on values, normative concepts and conscience in Church teaching as well as the integration of documents that relate to organizational ethics are both valuable additions. This text is an indispensable resource for ethicists, teachers of health care ethics, and health care professionals. For graduate students it provides ready access to source documents and context that internet searches cannot provide. In fact, it is a great find for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the reasoning behind the Church's moral tradition on health care."—Charles Bouchard, OP, Ascension Health