Refusal rights, law and medical paternalism in Turkey

J Med Ethics. 2013 Oct;39(10):636-7. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2012-100945. Epub 2013 Apr 17.

Abstract

Dr Tolga Guven and Dr Gurkan Sert argue the Turkish legal principles do not give clear guidance about the permissibility of medical paternalism. They then argue that the best interpretation of these principles requires respect for patients' rights. I agree that medical paternalism is wrong, but the truth of this claim does not depend on legal interpretation or medical culture. Further, the antipaternalist thesis of Guven and Sert may command much more extensive reforms than they acknowledge.

Keywords: Care of the Dying Patient; Law; Paternalism.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Human Rights / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Treatment Refusal / ethics*
  • Treatment Refusal / legislation & jurisprudence*