A Virtue-Based Defense of Perinatal Hospice

This is a well-organized personal and philosophical argument for palliative care following an adverse prenatal diagnosis. Cobb, a professor of philosophy, here defends the provision of hospitality, solidarity, compassion, and hope through a specialized hospice program. He compares and contrasts divergent views on the moral status of the unborn, reproductive autonomy, and supportive care. And he includes very difficult and detailed discussions of ethical perspectives, offering definitions, extensive footnotes, and references. The book will be most helpful to students of nursing, social work, and counseling. Summing Up: Recommended - CHOICE Reviews Aaron Cobb's book makes a twofold contribution: to our understanding of the value and virtues of perinatal hospice, and to contemporary moral theory. His personal experience as a father and professional vocation as a philosopher together provide uncommon insight. - Bernard Prusak, King's College (PA), USA Aaron Cobb's A Virtue-Based Defense of Perinatal Hospice is a fascinating book. His examination of perinatal palliative and hospice care is excellent. His appropriation of virtue ethics and the notions of exemplary persons and communities, as well as his focus on the needs of the entire family, are very helpful. The book deals with a variety of important moral and existential issues that arise in such situations, and in light of its approach to them it deserves both a wide reading and widespread reflective application. - Michael W. Austin, Eastern Kentucky University, USA