title: Is there such a thing as Latin bioethics?
abstract: This paper reflects on the presumption that there are distinct ethical differences between the supposedly 'Anglo-Saxon liberal' and 'Latin (Southern European) paternalist' ethical traditions. The predominance of the bioethical paradigm (principalism) is measured by a comparative analysis of regional moral opinion reflected in nation-state health laws. By looking at the way the ethico-legal concept figures into various national ordinances, we attempt to ascertain the extent and nature of variation (if any) between localities by exploring the understanding and application of principalism's keystone: patient autonomy.
authors.affiliation: Espace éthique méditerranéen, Equipe d'accueil EA 3783 Hôpital La Timone, 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carlioz
authors.forename: Joseph G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Wolyniak
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Le Coz
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D026688:Bioethical Issues / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001675:Bioethics; D003466:Cultural Characteristics / Q000266:history; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D028663:Ethical Theory / Q000266:history; D005060:Europe; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D026706:Paternalism; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011057:Politics; D028662:Principle-Based Ethics; D018644:Roman World / Q000266:history; D012945:Social Values / Q000266:history*; D013533:Gestational Carriers / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence