The right of dying

the relation between human people’s dignity and the practice of orthothanasia

Abstract

When addressing the right to die, through a procedure used by medicine called orthothanasia, for some terminally ill patients, it is questioned whether the procedure is supported by the principle of human dignity and ethical precepts. Based on this problem, studies advanced on medical conduct, recognizing that the medical procedure of interrupting treatments, often invasive, with the aim of prolonging life, can be interrupted, provided that there is consent from the individual and his family in cases in which the patient is in a vegetative state, adopting the option of orthothanasia. In this line, it appears that the medical practice of orthothanasia, associated with the patient's consent, takes into account the observance of human dignity, not infringing the individual and avoiding unnecessary suffering, since the result will not reverse the diagnosis. Thus, it appears that the principle of human dignity and ethical precepts will be observed in the practice of orthothanasia, assuring the patient a certain “comfort” in his terminal phase. The result of the applicability of the orthothanasic procedure can be considered ethical, constitutional and in compliance with the Brazilian legal system, since it meets the principle of human dignity, the right to life and, consequently, the option for the right to die. The present study was developed through bibliographical research, using doctrines, legislation, jurisprudence and resolutions in the medical area, using the deductive method.