Contemporary Issues in Bioethics: A Catholic Perspective applies the best of the Roman Catholic theological and ethical tradition to some of the most controversial and complex bioethical topics that confront contemporary society. Authors James Walter and Thomas Shannon offer a fresh analysis from the Catholic tradition and show how a specifically Catholic perspective might inform public discussion on these issues. In an age where it is claimed that religion should not be part of ethical discussion on bioethical issues, this book takes a decidedly different tack and shows that the Catholic tradition has something very important to offer. Contemporary Issues in Bioethics combines clear, concise and accessible prose with teachable case studies on such issues as reproductive cloning, quality of life and clinical decision making, and the withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration. Divided into four sections—theological issues, issues at the beginning of life, issues with genetic medicine and the care of ill patients, and issues at the end of life— this book is ideal for use in college, university, and seminary courses on bioethics, as well as for medical professionals, policy makers, and individual readers.