Lougheed, in his paper ‘African vital force and the permissibility of euthanasia’,1 offers a non-western perspective rooted in African traditions, broadening the debate on euthanasia by emphasising the importance of culture and context. We first challenge Lougheed’s stance that being an object of harmonious relationships serves as an argument against the permissibility of a patient requesting euthanasia. Then, based on the Latin American (LATAM) experience and by introducing the concept of relational autonomy, we aim to further contribute to Lougheed’s call (...) for a broader dialogue on euthanasia that incorporates non-western values. A communitarian approach, rather than necessarily opposing euthanasia, can support the right to it by promoting both individual dignity and collective well-being. Although ethical norms are highly influenced by culture, certain ethical principles, such as ‘respect for persons’, should be universal.2 Considering Kant’s categorical imperative, ‘ So act as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in another, always as an end and never as only a means ’, as the foundation of the principle respect for persons, Lougheed’s argument against the permissibility of euthanasia grounded on a person being the object of something for someone else, neglects this universal principle. While some individuals in collectivistic societies would give more weight to the benefits to others when considering ending their own lives, and we acknowledge that patients with advanced illnesses or in end-of-life processes can still nurture harmonious and meaningful relationships, …. (shrink)

Earlier this year, the International Association of Bioethics (IAB) hosted the biennial World Congress of Bioethics (WCB) in Doha, Qatar. Understandably, controversy surrounded the decision to hold the conference there. Opponents thought Qatar’s human rights record rendered it incompatible with the IAB’s mission. 1 2 Proponents felt that the location was overall justified to advance equitable participation in the WCB. 3 4 The discussion about the Qatar venue was an important one. But unlike in real estate, where the mantra of (...) ‘location, location, location’ highlights the often singular importance of geophysical coordinates, the debate about equity in global bioethics scholarship and practice is broader than where the WCB takes place. As we entered the intercongress time frame, it is helpful to consider in what other ways the IAB—and leading journals such as the JME—can contribute to equity in bioethics outside of events such... (shrink)