Legal diagnosis of the right to die with dignity in Venezuela. Legal environment and future predictions

Abstract

The voluntary termination of life is a controversial issue in this post-contemporary society that involves ethical-bioethical, moral, religious-spiritual and even legal aspects. However, it is also an issue that increasingly interests people, so it is necessary to open serious debates about the right to a dignified death as euthanasia, affirmed as an altruistic and benevolent act masks the need to forget one's own suffering, death and the inability to observe the death of others. The aim of this article is to make an exhaustive and critical diagnosis of the existing legal framework in Venezuela in relation to the right to a dignified death, as an emerging human right and patient autonomy. Also, to know the diversity of approaches and international experiences on the right to a dignified death. As a right, the right to a dignified death is presented as the prohibition of the law and the community to interfere in the thanatic act for oneself or for another. But as an effect, a right of social character and ethical-bioethical and even biolegal indication is established, which constitutes a risk for the dependent life. Euthanasia as the right to a dignified death, for this purpose, starts from pondering human dignity as the foundation of the person, but nevertheless it is questioned whether there really is a right to die with dignity. It can be concluded that, in Venezuela, today, euthanasia as the right to a dignified death is confronted with penal norms that are in full force and effect and, therefore, such option is prohibited by the national legal system.