The dignity of death

palliative care as fundamental law

Abstract

Any medical, therapeutic or interventional procedure on the patient must be aimed at preserving the dignity of the human person subject to the instruments of vital maintenance. Highly invasive therapeutic treatments may not represent an adequate solution to the future of the patient's physical restoration. In many cases, even after the use of several instruments to restore the physical and mental capacity of the terminal patient, the presented situation does not justify the continuity of the use of the invasive therapeutic means. Pioneering projects in Brazil have been establishing the implementation of public health policies called palliative care. The proposal is to guarantee the termination of life with quality, free of pain and in an environment that respects the autonomy of the patient. This determination for non-subjection to treatments of prolonged life and pain, can be manifested in an instrument called the anticipated directives of will. The model, because it represents the interruption or suspension of medical procedures and therapeutics, allows the disease to proceed in its normal course, which will result in the death of the patient.

Keywords: Palliative care. Fundamental rights. Health Unic System.