Tecnologia em prol de uma autonomia respeitadora da vulnerabilidade da pessoa doente

Well knowing that a humanistic utilization of the bioethical principialism in clinical practice always requires the consideration of the patient’s vulnerability, it is important to define the multiple situations of vulnerability, with the expectation that the complete understanding of this concept might contribute to a clear depreciation of its impact on the decision-making process. Similarly, the identification of essential steps to the ethical deliberation reveals itself equally fundamental to achieve the understanding on the implications of the patient’s vulnerability regarding the deliberative process. The making of an ethical decision, shared, in the sphere of the provision of healthcare, presupposes ability of the patient to make a choice. So, if such ability is compromised, because of his condition of vulnerability, it is easily understandable the patient’s choice is not totally free and, therefore, revealing of his autonomy. An ethically responsible society should be able to use its scientific and technologic knowledge in favor of the protection of the most vulnerable and the promotion of information the patient has right to and the limits of his informed will, in favor of the defense of human dignity.