What It Means to Be Human: The Case for the Body in Public Bioethics

Carter Snead, a leading expert on public bioethics, advocates for a new conception of human identity in American law and policy. Carter addresses three complex issues in bioethics: abortion, assisted reproductive technology, and end-of-life decisions. Avoiding typical dichotomies of conservative-versus-liberal and secular-versus-religious, Snead recasts debates over these issues and situates them within his framework of embodiment and dependence. He concludes that, if the law is built on premises that reflect the fully lived reality of life, it will provide support for the vulnerable, including the unborn, mothers, families, and those nearing the end of their lives. In this way, he argues, policy can ensure that people have the care they need in order to thrive. Purchase your copy of this book at the Catholic Information Center. Our bookstore is open M-F from 10AM to 2PM EDT. You can also give us a call and we will get you set up.