Eutanásia e transtornos mentais: uma análise do direito à morte digna no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro

Abstract

This dissertation addressed the discussion of the Right to Die with Dignity, specifically focusing on euthanasia for patients with mental disorders. The purpose was to analyze the feasibility and obstacles to incorporate the Right to Die with Dignity into the Brazilian legal system, emphasizing euthanasia as a legitimate option for patients suffering not only from terminal physical illnesses, but also severe mental disorders. The adopted method was the comparative method, applying the analysis of foreign laws, national legislation, as well as works from the fields of bioethics, psychology, anthropology, and philosophy. Recent statistics were also taken into account. The results pointed to the inadequacy of Brazilian legislation regarding the euthanasia debate, highlighting an academic discussion that is still in its early stages concerning its application to patients with mental disorders. It is concluded that, for implementation in Brazil, improvements in the public healthcare system are necessary, along with extreme caution to prevent the Right to Die with Dignity from being distorted and used as a means for eugenic practices.