Medically assisted suicide: analysis of the judgment of the Constitutional Court of Colombia Patrícia Cristina Vasquez de Souza Gorisch, Renato Tavares da Silva Neto, Verônica Scriptore Freire e Almeida

Abstract

Background: This study analyzed the issue of physician-assisted suicide, focusing on the decision of the Constitutional Court of Colombia, which was a pioneer in Latin America in decriminalizing euthanasia. Objectives: In general, to present the euthanasia system in practice, identify the difficulties in the doctor-patient relationship related to physician-assisted death, analyze the dilemma of alleviating patient suffering versus assisted suicide, and examine the differences in the practice of euthanasia in Colombia. As a specific objective, to examine the legal and ethical implications of euthanasia in Colombia in relation to patient rights, including the decision-making process, informed consent, and the safeguarding of individual rights, with a view to identifying areas that may require improvement or additional regulation. Methods: The approach used was predominantly descriptive and qualitative, with documentary analysis to support the research. Results: It was possible to describe the phenomenon studied and filter the collected material. Conclusion: it was highlighted that, despite the legalization of euthanasia in Colombia, the nation still faces significant challenges in relation to this freedom received, indicating a fragility in the implementation and understanding of this practice.