Етически въпроси в края на живота. Принципът на автономията и проблемът с евтаназията
Ethical Issues of End-Of-Life. The Principle of Autonomy and the Problem of Euthanasia

Summary/Abstract: The problem of euthanasia is one of the most difficult ones in contemporary medicine and bioethics. Modern discussions present contradictory positions about the moral character of this medical procedure. Arguments made in these discussions indicate underlying conflicts of values that make the various positions hardly compatible. The article deals with the question whether the principle of respecting the autonomy and self-determination of the patient can serve to support active euthanasia? The opposite stances on this issue are analyzed and the moral reasons behind them are highlighted. A definition of autonomy is given and the characteristics of autonomous persons are determined. The article addresses some of the issues by pin-pointing euthanasia; related concepts, like „assisted suicide“ and „suicide are explained, and the major types of euthanasia are distinguished. Finally, some conclusions are drawn regarding the mode of application of moral principles, rules and values linked to ethical problems in medicine.

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