Thanatology under the perspective of ethics and bioethics: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: Clarify bioethical dilemmas and introduces the concepts of the various perspectives during the death process: patient with end-stage disease, dysthanasia, passive euthanasia, active euthanasia, assisted suicide, orthotoasia and kalotanasia. Methods: This is a systematic review whose data were extracted from the MEDLINE and BVS databases. In the first mentioned, the descriptors "thanatology" and "ethics" were used using the logical AND operator, which resulted in 45 articles, after refinement the sample registered 04 articles. In the second base, the search was performed with the same descriptors (n = 34), but only 12 were selected. Results: Stands out the concept of death, good death and terminality of life. In addition to exploring the ethical dilemmas, challenges and opportunities presented at death regarding dysthanasia, passive and active euthanasia, assisted suicide, orthopasia and organ transplantation. Final considerations: The conception of death is transformed over time, technological advances have allowed attempts to extend life and the introduction of ethical and bioethical impasses about the end of life.