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Abstract(s)
Introdução: A discussão de questões relacionadas com eutanásia e suicídio medicamente assistido por parte de profissionais que trabalham em cuidados paliativos, muitas vezes, gera desconforto pela sensibilidade do tema. Objetivo: Promover uma reflexão ética acerca do pedido expresso de morte assistida em contexto de cuidados paliativos. Materiais e Métodos: Com base num caso clínico, nos princípios éticos e na literatura acerca da eutanásia e suicídio medicamente assistido, pretende-se uma reflexão sobre o tema e a sua complexidade. Resultados: Colocar estes princípios éticos basilares em causa pode conduzir a situações cujo controlo é difícil. Ressalvam-se de imediato questões como: será a escolha de eutanásia verdadeiramente livre e autónoma, se o indivíduo estiver em sofrimento? Será honesto oferecer a legalização desta em contextos em que o acesso a alternativas viáveis e de qualidade para o alívio do sofrimento, como os cuidados paliativos, não estão acessíveis a toda a população? Não será o próprio sofrimento uma condicionante de uma escolha livre? Conclusão: O problema ético da legalização da eutanásia e do suicídio medicamente assistido não tem respostas certas ou erradas, e por ter por base valores tão absolutos como a dignidade e respeito pela vida humana, merece uma discussão e reflexão ponderadas.
Introduction: Discussions related to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide by professionals working in palliative care often bring discomfort due to its sensitivity. Aim: Promote an ethical reflection on assisted death requests in a palliative care context. Materials and Methods: Based on a clinical case, ethical principles and the literature regarding euthanasia and medically-assisted suicide, a reflection on the theme and its complexity is intended. Results: To question basic ethical principles can lead to situations which are difficult to control. Some questions immediately stand out: is euthanasia a truly free and autonomous decision, if the individual is suffering? Is it honest to offer its legalization in a context where access to viable and quality alternatives to relieve suffering, such as palliative care, are not available for everyone? Isn’t suffering itself a hindrance to free choice? Conclusion: The ethical problem of legalizing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide does not have right or wrong answers, and as it is based on values as absolute as dignity and respect for human life, it deserves a thoughtful reflection and discussion.
Introduction: Discussions related to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide by professionals working in palliative care often bring discomfort due to its sensitivity. Aim: Promote an ethical reflection on assisted death requests in a palliative care context. Materials and Methods: Based on a clinical case, ethical principles and the literature regarding euthanasia and medically-assisted suicide, a reflection on the theme and its complexity is intended. Results: To question basic ethical principles can lead to situations which are difficult to control. Some questions immediately stand out: is euthanasia a truly free and autonomous decision, if the individual is suffering? Is it honest to offer its legalization in a context where access to viable and quality alternatives to relieve suffering, such as palliative care, are not available for everyone? Isn’t suffering itself a hindrance to free choice? Conclusion: The ethical problem of legalizing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide does not have right or wrong answers, and as it is based on values as absolute as dignity and respect for human life, it deserves a thoughtful reflection and discussion.
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Keywords
Cuidados paliativos Morte assistida Suicídio medicamente assistido Eutanásia Bioética Palliative care Physician-assisted death Physician-assisted suicide Euthanasia Bioethics