Abstract

BAUM, Erica. Euthanasia, empathy, compassion and Human Rights. Rev. Bioética y Derecho [online]. 2017, n.39, pp.5-21.  Epub Nov 02, 2020. ISSN 1886-5887.

What is problematic in the study of empathy is his absence to the suffering of others. Euthanasia highlights the moral conflict about suffering or stop suffering facing at an irreversible and painful illness. I will analyze the conflict that has full respect of human dignity, laid down in Article 51 of the Civil and Commercial Code of Argentina, in relation to advance medical directives that involve a practice euthanasia, according to the Article 60 of the same legal body, should not be written. Two closed questions will guide this analysis in order to reflect on them: Does euthanasia undermines the human dignity, in its active mode? Is it fair or unfair the restriction of personal autonomy in relation to euthanasia? Finally, I will explore what the role of compassion in euthanasia.

Keywords : empathy; emotions; justice; personal autonomy; human dignity; compassion; bioethics; Human Rights.

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