The central theme of this book is that technological advances in medicine have created a multitude of choices for each individual -- choices that can influence how we live and die. These choices are difficult ones, and the book provides a better understanding of the issues. Thus, the implications of each choice become clearer. Such decisions remain inherently very difficult and personal. Thoughtful, compassionate societies must consider these difficult problems. Can we develop mechanisms to assist in the medical choices that will inevitably take place throughout each individual's life? Jane Stein makes a stimulating effort to clarify these subjects in this book. She calls to attention problems we would prefer to avoid, touches the untouchable, and in so doing contributes to a constructive debate on the future of human life. - Preface.