Legal issues at the end of life

Abstract

Healthcare professionals cannot lose sight of the fact that precariousness is a deeply human circumstance that demands unconditional respect for the dying patient. This descriptive study is a bio-legislation re ection about digni ed death in cases of diseases entailing long processes of deterioration and physical and psychological suffering. Comparative legislation and the most emblematic jurisprudence will be considered, in light of the fundamental rights involved. It is concluded that it is legitimate to respect the patient’s wishes regarding his or her dying process, so long as their dignity is not violated: any conduct that leads them to death or which deliberately causes it cannot be allowed.