Thomas May is an associate professor and director of Graduate Studies in Bioethics at the Center for the Study of Bioethics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

May's book is a helpful overview and introduction to the political framework of bioethics decision making within a liberal society. It touches explicitly on the issues of perceived and actual lack of competence, substituted decision making, advanced directives and the important roles of ethics committees and consultants. There is no doubt that this book marks an important contribution to the literature. -- Christopher Newell, Ph.D. Metapsychology

• Contents: Preface Acknowledgments 1 Introduction: The Liberal Framework I Patient Autonomy 2 Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent 3 Patient Responsibility for Decision Making 4 Advance Directives: Extending Autonomy for Patients II Professional Rights of Conscience 5 Beneficence, Abandonment, and the Duty to Treat 6 Rights of Conscience in the Physician-Patient Relationship 7 Conclusion: Health Care Ethics Committees and Consultants in a Liberal Framework References Index