Euthanasia and buen vivir: an approach from the philosophy of law and bioethics

Abstract

This article carries out a conceptual analysis of euthanasia within the framework of the concept of "good living", with an important element that helps to respect human dignity, thus placing itself in the defense of the fullness of life. Euthanasia is considered a projection of the right to dignity, allowing one's own autonomy over one's body and the decision to end one's life. It is compatible with the concept of "good living" contributing to the maintenance of human dignity and social justice. The 2008 Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador enshrines the concept of "good living" as a tool for political construction and an ideological basis that shapes the social character of the Ecuadorian state. Thus, this research aims to show the need for a basis on which the right to "dignified death" can be effectively sustained, being this basis the one that should be able to operate under the ideas of human dignity that is the foundation of "good living". Allusions to the ethical and social considerations of international inequalities, or the very urgent need to create a norm that respects and guarantees human dignity in the face of end-of-life suffering, are the views of this article.