Stosowanie uporczywej terapii a prawo do umierania w spokoju i godności

The constant advancement of medical sciences brings about legal issues that require regulation. New therapies and medications can affect the prolongation of life for patients with terminal illnesses. The first part of the article discusses the concept of „medical futility”. Next, it addresses matters related to human dignity. The final part concerns the right to die peacefully and with dignity. Discussing such a topic is of vital importance because the attitude of modern society towards death keeps changing. A better understanding of patient’s rights allows for respecting human dignity at the end of life. A better understanding of patient rights contributes to respecting human dignity at the end of life, particularly when a conflict arises between the duty of a doctor to save lives and the right of a patient to die in peace and dignity.