Terminalidade e testamento vital: delineando os contornos para o exercício da autonomia do paciente em face do combate à distanásia

Abstract

The article is intended to deal with the Advance Directives of Will, more specifically the Vital Testament, as an instrument of exercise and guarantee of patient autonomy. The analysis of the theme began with the observation of the principles of human dignity and autonomy, as well as the concepts of dysthanasia, orthothanasia, euthanasia and anticipated directives of will. It’s perceived in society as a difficulty in dealing with the topic of terminality and other related bioethical issues. In addition, we must also observe the considerable relevance of the subjects, involving the Vital Testament, and the limits applied to the autonomy of the patient. The general objective is to discuss the possibilities that involve the Advance Directives of Will as exercise of the autonomy of the patient, in the face of the fight against dysthanasia and it is believed that this instrument is a real advance in the combat to such practice, in search of a terminality more natural and closer to otherness.