What is it about?
This article reviews how the idea of relational autonomy has been discussed in ethical debates about end-of-life care. Instead of seeing autonomy only as individual independence, relational autonomy emphasizes how patients’ choices are influenced by their families, caregivers, and social context. The review maps out different ways philosophers and ethicists have used this concept in discussions about euthanasia, assisted suicide, and palliative care.
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Why is it important?
End-of-life decisions are some of the most difficult in medicine. They are often shaped by more than just the patient’s will—emotions, relationships, and responsibilities all play a role. By clarifying how relational autonomy has been understood in the literature, this article helps to build a more realistic and compassionate ethical framework for supporting patients, families, and healthcare teams at the end of life.
Perspectives
For me, this review was a way to bring clarity to a complex and sometimes confusing debate. I wanted to show that autonomy does not lose value when it is seen as relational—in fact, it gains depth and humanity. Writing this article convinced me that ethical discussions in end-of-life care must always consider both personal freedom and the web of relationships that give life meaning until the very end.
Carlos Gomez-Virseda
Associatie KU Leuven
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Relational autonomy: what does it mean and how is it used in end-of-life care? A systematic review of argument-based ethics literature, BMC Medical Ethics, October 2019, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1186/s12910-019-0417-3.
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