Ronald A. Lindsay. Prometheus, $28.95 (313p) ISBN 9781591026422

In his first book, lawyer and philosopher Lindsay, a PhD in bioethics, presents thoroughly researched arguments concerning several well-known and emerging bioethics issues: genetically modified foods, physician-assisted death for the terminally ill, conscientious objection by healthcare workers, genetic enhancement of human beings, and stem cell research. To start, Lindsay discusses common morality, that which is accepted by “virtually everyone” throughout time and cultures, and how that morality plays out with regard to new biomedical techniques: “Any attempt by humans to control and shape their lives in ways not previously contemplated by some religious tradition results in the claim that we are trying to ‘play God.’” Looking at “substance, not semantics,” Lindsay’s preference for “a well-reasoned, pragmatic approach” doesn’t preclude strong words for policymakers (“Saving embryos for the trash—that’s the essence of the Bush administration policy on embryonic stem cell research”), but is largely apolitical and science-based. Though it reads a bit stiff, Lindsay’s everyday-life analogies make this an interesting and accessible volume not only for those involved in biological sciences and healthcare, but for anyone concerned about these issues, and particularly public legislators.

(Source: Publishers Weekly)

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