El derecho a morir dignamente: una oportunidad para el impulso ético del Trabajo Social

Abstract

The increasing relevance of chronic diseases as cause of death, as well as a change about the focus on the end of life, have created an interest in the role that sociosanitary disciplines play at moment of die and way to die. Nowadays, there is only a few countries who have legalized or decriminalized euthanasia and assisted suicide. This article carries out a narrative review with the aim of knowing the ethical and legal aspects that involve the right to die with dignity, assisted suicide and euthanasia in the countries where these practices are regulated, and their relationship with the ethical principles inherent to Social Work. Results show that these practices are multifaced phenomena and that should be considered as an individual right governed by the principle of self-determination of each person. Social Work, as a discipline that watches over human rights, must guarantee the will and priorities of sick people, offering guidance and support and respecting their principle of autonomy.