Issues at the Borders of Life

Life at its borders is tenuous and the crossing of borders is no longer as simple as the birth of a new baby or the death of a loved one. Advances in medical science have meant that the border at the start of life can be facilitated through assisted reproductive technology or avoided through abortion. Similarly, at the final border passage can be hastened through euthanasia or delayed by means of palliative care. The stretching of the borders through medical advances gives rise to important ethi