Vol. 37 No. 2 (2011)
Research articles

Patient Autonomy and Medical Criminal Liability

Laura Mayer Lux
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Bio

How to Cite

Mayer Lux, L. (2012). Patient Autonomy and Medical Criminal Liability. Revista De Derecho - Pontificia Universidad Católica De Valparaíso, 37(2). Retrieved from https://www.rdpucv.cl/index.php/rderecho/article/view/786

Abstract

This article puts forward that, within the principles ruling the medical actions, the most legally binding principle is the patient's autonomy principle, which is based on the fact that the attending doctor delivers truthful, timely, complete and thorough information. This autonomy is evidenced by the fact that medical surgeries that affect the physical integrity or the health or even the patient's life, without the patient's consent, as well as the cancellation of the basis of the regulations against euthanasia - concept, classification and requirements of which are developed - are punishable. This autonomy is also evidenced by the early expression of will or living will, legislative proposal of which in the Chilean legal system will be addressed.