Embryo research, cloning, assisted conception, neonatal care, savior siblings, organ transplants, drug trials – modern developments have transformed the field of medicine almost beyond recognition in recent decades and the law struggles to keep up. At the same time legal claims against doctors and the NHS has grown and doctors feel under siege.

In this highly acclaimed and very accessible book, Margaret Brazier and Emma Cave provide an incisive survey of the legal situation in areas as diverse as fertility treatment, surrogacy, patient consent, euthanasia and the definition of death, malpractice and medical privacy.

The sixth edition of this book has been fully revised and updated to cover; Over 50 new cases, including the latest cases on assisted dying, court-authorised sterilisation, treatment without consent and confidentiality; Full analysis of recent Supreme Court decisions on informed consent (Montgomery v Lanarkshire [2015], assisted dying (R (Nicklinson and Lamb) v Ministry of Justice [2014]), conscientious objection (Doogan v Greater Glasgow Health Board[2014] and deprivation of liberty (Cheshire West [2014])

New national and EU legislation on healthcare research, organ donation and data protection; Recent guidance and reports such as the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice (2013), the Francis Inquiry report (2013) and Select

Committee Reports on mental capacity; Analysis of reforms of the NHS, the duty of candour, legal aid and professional regulation; Technological advances such as assisted conception, cloning and human tissue and the regulatory response; Doomed and ongoing legislative reform proposals including those on assisted dying, NHS redress and medical innovation.

Essential reading for healthcare professionals, lecturers, medical and law students, this book is of relevance to all whose perusal of the daily news causes wonder, hope and consternation at the advances and limitations of medicine and the law and the impact on patients.