Ethical aspects of the Cartagena Declaration

Abstract

 Introduction: Nutritional care was recognized as a human right in the Cartagena Declaration on May 3, 2019. This article analyzes the Cartagena Declaration from the ethical approach.

Methodology: The four principle approach to bioethics is used in this paper. Results: it is recognized that the right to nutritional care implies feeding the sick person in conditions that respect their dignity, considering the vulnerability of the malnourished person or at risk of malnutrition and respecting the principles of bioethics. Therefore, the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice must be respected. Recognizing this right and the ethical basis of the Declaration does not imply that the obligation to feed all patients at any stage of life and at any cost is being accepted. On the contrary, recognizing this right implies from an ethical point of view that the best decision for the patient must be taken and this may include the decision not to feed.

Conclusion: The Cartagena Declaration has a fundamental structural ethical component which is based on the concepts of dignity and vulnerability, respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice as a condition for the practice of clinical nutrition. In addition, it promotes the values of justice and equity in nutritional care.