Bioethical review on the legality of assisted dying in Ecuador

Abstract

The legality of assisted dying is a controversial matter worldwide due to bioethical aspects. In countries such as Luxembourg and Canada, euthanasia was approved, with positive impacts on the quality of life of patients; however, there are negative aspects, such as not taking palliative options into consideration. This descriptive literature review considered publications from the last five years with bioethical approaches in favor of assisted dying, based on the importance of definitively alleviating patient symptomatology, in addition to providing quality of life, but also noting that in the long term the legality of this procedure may lead to medical dehumanization. Ecuador’s Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code presents ambiguous articles for and against assisted dying, with legal loopholes that preclude its application in the health care system. Despite solid arguments for and against euthanasia, the decision must be adapted to the context of the patient and health care system.