Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying, 3rd Edition

Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying, 3rd Edition
by Derek Humphry

Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying, 3rd Edition
List Price: $17.00
Our Price: $9.68
You Save: $7.32 (43%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $7.95 (click here)
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions


(Click here)
Buy this book at online book store in your country
Canada | UK | Germany | France

Book Summary Information

Author: Derek Humphry
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-11-26
ISBN: 0385336535
Number of pages: 250
Publisher: Delta

Book Reviews of Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying, 3rd Edition

Book Review: A Book that Respects People's Choices About Dying
Summary: 5 Stars

+++++

After I read this book (first edition published in 1991) by Derek Humphry, I read some reviews of it on this site as well as on other sites. In many cases, I wondered whether a particular reviewer read the same book as I did! There seems to be some confusion as to the purpose of this book.

I think the confusion stems from a lack of understanding of two terms. "Suicide" is deliberately ending one's life. It is usually an irrational act. (For the record, I don't believe in irrational suicide.) "Self-Deliverance" is the action of an irreversible ill person (such as a person who is hopelessly ill or is terminally ill) who makes a rational, voluntary decision to end his/her own life.

The second of these two definitions is what this book is about. In the author's own words: "Please respect the true intensions of [this book]: the right of a terminally ill person with unbearable suffering to know how to choose to die."

Thus, this book is not for the depressed, mentally ill, or suicidal. The author elaborates: "I ask people with suicidal thoughts to share them with family or friends and if this does not help, to call one of the hot lines or help lines listed in their local telephone books."

There is an argument that the above three types of people might use the information in this book for their own early demise (despite the book's warnings) and therefore it should not have been published. But this is like saying tall buildings (or cars or bridges or etc.) should not be built because those with the intension of suicide might use them for an early demise. The fact is a suicidal person will always find a way.

Also, this book is not for the religious. The author, again, elaborates: "If the reader of this book is deeply religious, and takes all guidance from a divinity, then there is no point in reading [this book]. [As well], all I [the author] ask of persons to whom any form of euthanasia [or assisted dying] is morally repugnant is tolerance and understanding of the feelings of others who want the right to choose what happens to their [dying] bodies in a free society." Thus, "this book assumes the reader's ethical acceptance of the right to choose to die when terminally ill and [so] the arguments for and against are not addressed."

This 27-chapter book covers all the practicalities involved in self-deliverance. From the importance of certain documents, to the law, to consideration of others, to the pros and cons of various methods (including certain drugs), you'll find this book a compassionate and sensitive guide. It contains clear instructions for supportive doctors and families so they can keep a person's dying intimate, private, and dignified.

This book has four appendices. I think most people will find Appendix A: "Glossary of Terms Connected with Dying" most informative.

Finally, this is an excellent book for those (like me) who are interested in knowing more about this neglected subject. The obvious fact is that we all die sooner or later. Knowing some of the information in this book will help the reader understand and not deny that death exists. As well, I learned about rights. Some people want to endure every last minute of life no matter how painfully gloomy and that is certainly their right. (In fact, there is a chapter in this book entitled "The Hospice Option.") However, others do not want to endure pain and suffering and I think that should be their right.

In conclusion, this book should not to be read by the depressed, suicidal, mentally ill, or the strictly religious. For all other readers, it can be used as a practical guide or as an educational text to understand death and basic human rights.

+++++

Summary of Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying, 3rd Edition

Published  2002, the revised, 3rd edition of the bestseller "Final Exit" describes the ways in which a dying person may consider hastening the end of their life if suffering is unbearable. Laws and ethics are outlined in a straightforward fashion. Drug dosage tables and the latest inert gas technique of 'self-deliverance' are explained, with illustrations.

Bantam Dell published an updated version in April 2010, known as edition 3.1

Self-Help Books

Book Subjects
Most talked about in Self-Help Books
Communion: The Female Search for Love ImageCommunion: The Female Search for Love
by bell hooks
William Morrow Paperbacks; Published: 2002-12-24; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.51
Price in other shops: $14.99
Your Erroneous Zones: Step-by-Step Advice for Escaping the Trap of Negative Thinking and Taking Control of Your Life ImageYour Erroneous Zones: Step-by-Step Advice for Escaping the Trap of Negative Thinking and Taking Control of Your Life
by Wayne W. Dyer
William Morrow Paperbacks; Published: 1991-05-23; Paperback; Book
Best price: $5.71
Price in other shops: $13.99
Positive Addiction (Harper Colophon Books) ImagePositive Addiction (Harper Colophon Books)
by William Glasser
Harper Perennial; Published: 1985-05-01; Paperback; Book
Best price: $4.89
Price in other shops: $12.99
Woman Power: Transform Your Man, Your Marriage, Your Life ImageWoman Power: Transform Your Man, Your Marriage, Your Life
by Laura Schlessinger
Harper; Published: 2004-08-03; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $0.75
Price in other shops: $22.95
The Zen Path Through Depression ImageThe Zen Path Through Depression
by Philip Martin
HarperOne; Published: 2000-03-01; Paperback; Book
Best price: $1.00
Price in other shops: $13.99
All You Need Is Love and Other Lies About Marriage: A Proven Strategy to Make Your Marriage Work, from a Leading Couples Therapist ImageAll You Need Is Love and Other Lies About Marriage: A Proven Strategy to Make Your Marriage Work, from a Leading Couples Therapist
by John W. Jacobs
Harper; Published: 2004-03-02; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $3.90
Price in other shops: $24.95
If You Had Controlling Parents: How to Make Peace with Your Past and Take Your Place in the World ImageIf You Had Controlling Parents: How to Make Peace with Your Past and Take Your Place in the World
by Dan Neuharth
Harper; Published: 1998-09-09; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $8.89
Price in other shops: $25.00
super Sexual Orgasm Imagesuper Sexual Orgasm
by Barbara, Ph. D. Keesling
Harper Collins; Published: 1997; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $2.57
Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life ImageCare of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life
by Thomas Moore
Harpercollins; Published: 1992-05; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $3.30
Price in other shops: $25.00
Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion ImageVerbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion
by George Thompson
William Morrow Paperbacks; Published: 2004-03-02; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.51
Price in other shops: $14.99
Similar Books and other products
Death with Dignity: The Case for Legalizing Physician-Assisted Dying and Euthanasia ImageDeath with Dignity: The Case for Legalizing Physician-Assisted Dying and Euthanasia
by Robert Orfali
Mill City Press, Inc.; Published: 2011-04-15; Paperback; Book
Best price: $10.35
Price in other shops: $14.95
Death and Dignity: Making Choices and Taking Charge ImageDeath and Dignity: Making Choices and Taking Charge
by Timothy E. Quill
W. W. Norton & Company; Published: 1994-05-17; Paperback; Book
Best price: $3.34
Price in other shops: $13.95
HowDunit - The Book of Poisons ImageHowDunit - The Book of Poisons
by Serita Stevens, Anne Bannon
Writers Digest Books; Published: 2007-01-09; Paperback; Book
Best price: $9.85
Price in other shops: $19.99
The Good Euthanasia Guide: Where, what, and who in choices in dying ImageThe Good Euthanasia Guide: Where, what, and who in choices in dying
by Derek Humphry
Norris Lane Press; Published: 2005-06-05; Paperback; Book
Best price: $11.10
Price in other shops: $16.00
How to Commit a Successful Suicide ImageHow to Commit a Successful Suicide
by Thomas James
lulu.com; Published: 2010-08-17; Paperback; Book
Best price: $6.40
Price in other shops: $7.75
To Die Well: Your Right to Comfort, Calm, and Choice in the Last Days of Life ImageTo Die Well: Your Right to Comfort, Calm, and Choice in the Last Days of Life
by Sidney Wanzer, Joseph Glenmullen
Da Capo Press; Published: 2008-02-26; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.52
Price in other shops: $15.99
Five Last Acts (2nd edition): expanded & revised ImageFive Last Acts (2nd edition): expanded & revised
by Chris Docker
CreateSpace; Published: 2010-10-10; Paperback; Book
Best price: $42.94
Price in other shops: $49.50
The Best Way to Say Goodbye: A Legal Peaceful Choice At the End of Life ImageThe Best Way to Say Goodbye: A Legal Peaceful Choice At the End of Life
by Stanley A. Terman
Life Transitions Publications; Published: 2007-11-28; Paperback; Book
Best price: $23.80
Price in other shops: $30.00
Final Exit on DVD ImageFinal Exit on DVD
Release date: 2006-11-19; DVD
Best price: $20.00
The Peaceful Pill Handbook ImageThe Peaceful Pill Handbook
by Philip Nitschke, Fiona Stewart
Exit International US Ltd; Published: 2010-12-01; Paperback; Book
Best price: $34.99
Price in other shops: $35.00
Book store. Illustrated catalog of books on different categories