"We are at a time in which, through clinical information, the patient's autonomy lost with the scientific and technical development of medicine must be recovered," said Pilar León, professor at the University of Navarra. This doctor took part in the course on "Law 41/2002 and the implementation of patients' rights", part of the programs sponsored by the Regional Government, the Pamplona City Council and Caja Navarra.

According to him, patient autonomy is not something new in the medical internship : "The patient has not suddenly acquired the leading role, as advocated by North American bioethics". However, "the repercussions of scientific and technical advances have redefined the doctor-patient relationship and have made it clear that mutual respect is essential".

Law 41/2002 refers to patient autonomy with respect to professionals. "And it also partially recognizes social values," she stressed. For Dr. Pilar León, "it would be time to also establish the autonomy of patients and professionals with respect to the healthcare system and society. Today, the Administration, the public sector, is sample becoming progressively more interventionist. In view of this, it would also be necessary to establish freedom of practice and the ability of patients to choose.

Obligation to serve life

In his opinion, "the so-called patient autonomy affects both professionals and patients, since it is intrinsically linked to the doctor-patient relationship". On the other hand, he stressed that "there is a continuity in the attitude of respect for the will and privacy of patients based on the unanimous agreement that they should not be harmed, but assisted by the actions of health professionals. The weaker they are, the more vigilant and protected they are".

Likewise, Pilar León underlined the idea that "medical science and, above all, the development of therapeutics have made the medical professional responsible for moments full of meaning, such as the beginning and end of human life, giving him/her great possibilities to act". In his opinion, "this was the beginning of an unclosed discussion on the professional's obligation to serve life".