[Patients' autonomy and doctors' duties according to the Andalusian bill of "dignified dead"].
The provisions of the andalusian Law on rights and guarantees of the dignity of persons in the process of death, also known as "act of dignified death", are based on two pillars: the right to the autonomy of the patient, supported, if it be, in a will expressed in instructions given in advance and the duties of doctors and health centers to give satisfaction, to the extent of their potential and respecting the law, those demands. the core of the question is to find the point of necessary balance between the wishes of the patient and the freedom and responsibility of the doctor. Together with positive aspects, such as the recognition of the right and the implementation of the palliative care, there are other questionable proposals, affecting the rights of doctors: a lack of understanding of freedom and professional responsibility, recognition of the objection of conscience and certain ethics duties, etc. As expressed by the law, remain committed substantial rights of doctors and might favor, in the care activity, introducing practices of defensive medicine.
Díez Fernández
José Antonio
JA
Asociación para la Defensa del Derecho a la Objeción de conciencia, Jaén. jadiez@andoc.es
D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012297:Right to Die / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013030:Spain