The realization of the right to health of older persons 2011, para. 59
Paragraph- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur is of the view that a holistic approach to health should also address the process of dying. While this report does not consider issues of patient autonomy in respect of deciding to end life, it is nonetheless necessary to ensure that patients be able to make autonomous, informed decisions regarding the quality of health during the process of dying. That includes choices about access to adequate pain relief and other necessary interventions, location of death, and the ability to refuse treatment designed to prolong life when it is not desired by the patient. This requires clear, candid and non-judgmental discussion with medical practitioners, who should be adequately trained to deal with these delicate issues in order to enable older persons to "die with dignity", as required from a human rights prospective.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- Older persons
- Year
- 2011
- Paragraph type
- Other
- Reference
- SR Health, Report to the HRC (2011), A/HRC/18/37, para. 59.
- Paragraph number
- 59
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Date added
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