Palliative Care - A Human Right
If humans are afforded rights such as the "right to life"; "freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment"; "the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health" than it would make sense that palliative care and pain control be included in the basic human rights. Palliative care is about achieving the highest quality of life and promoting comfort and dignity. We, as humans, have a right to a pain free, comfortable, dignified death. Unfortunately, the right to palliative care and pain control have not been internationally recognized as human rights - but that may soon change.
The International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care (IAHPC) and the Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance (WPCA) have joined forces to develop a Joint Declaration and Statement of Commitment to recognize palliative care and pain treatment as a human rights. The declaration has been signed by various international organizations such as the International AIDS Society (IAS), the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), The International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR), and the World Institute of Pain (WIP). Several regional organizations and hundreds of individuals around the world have also signed - including me!
You are invited to view the declaration and add your signature. It's yet one more way to show your support for palliative care, pain control, and hospice care.
Comments
This is a good thing. I signed the declaration. I think people who are not willing to look at this think that what palliative care means is “mercy killing”. Quality education, from doctors, nurses and the educators, is so important in an attempt to get the word out that this is NOT what is meant by palliative care. thank goodness for your site.
I would have to agree with you guys on this one. Palliative care should be viewed upon Nationally as one of our basic human rights. This country may be said to be based upon the pursuit of happiness and self satisfaction, and to deny a dying individual the benefits of a sound mental and physical state would be and infringement on the basic right that makes our country so great. I tried to sign the pettition but had no luck, so if anyone can give me some guidance on how to do so I would gladly appreciate it.
While I agree this is a good idea I am offended that it occurs on my birthday!