Last update:
11-Nov-2026

Bioethics is a fundamental discipline that plays a critical role in shaping ethical reflection and guiding practical applications across the broad domains of medicine and healthcare. Initially, the concept and origins of bioethics are explained, with emphasis on its four basic principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The principle of autonomy, which is linked to the patient's right to decide about his or her body and treatment, is central. The concept of informed consent is examined, as it ensures that patients have full understanding of, and control over, medical decisions that concern them. In addition, the legal framework in Greece for medical consent is analysed, along with the ethical and legal aspects of euthanasia according to the Code of Medical Ethics (Law 3418/2005). Issues of consent regarding euthanasia, and the importance of autonomy even in a patient's decision to refuse or discontinue treatment, are also addressed. The article further highlights the role of bioethics in contemporary medical discourse, especially in cases where technological progress creates new ethical dilemmas. The rapid development of genetics, biotechnology, and assisted reproduction methods, for example, brings to the forefront issues such as preimplantation diagnosis, embryo selection, and cloning. Bioethics is therefore called upon to provide a stable framework for evaluation and decision-making, one that is not limited to legal regulations but also draws on philosophical, cultural, and social values. The intercultural approach to bioethics is particularly important in multicultural societies, where perceptions of health, illness, and death may differ significantly. Therefore, the cultivation of ethical reflection among health professionals is essential, so that they can respond with sensitivity and responsibility to the challenges of modern medical practice.

Key words: Bioethics patient, Consent, Physician.