Eutanásia ou solidariedade? Que resposta dar àquele que sofre?

Abstract

This article discusses the issue of euthanasia in its relation with “quality of life” notion. Many people question themselves whether living a limited life is a right or even a kind of torture, concluding that euthanasia might be an alternative to a meaningless life. However, which elements are able to measure the quality of life? Is the sum of attributes enough to establish such a criterion that legitimates euthanasia? Our objective is to show that the consideration about quality of life is important, but it is not decisive to ethically postulate euthanasia. Life and its dignity are beyond any measurement.