New Challenges for Human Rights Policy in the Domain of Health Care Decisions

This English-language essay by Judit Fridli situates its subject of patient rights in the historic context of post-communist Hungary, where the habits of a paternalist heritage remain deeply ingrained. Beyond pointing to gaps between legal regulation and actual practice concerning the self-determination of medical patients, Fridli deals separately with self-determination related to reproductive rights and the right to refuse life-sustaining interventions. The author ends the essay by articulating proposals for legislation and legal application.