The Directiveness of Advance Directives. Performing Euthanasia on Individuals with Severe Dementia

This paper inquires whether performing euthanasia in accordance with an advance directive is acceptable in the case of individuals with severe dementia. Specifically, the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities is examined to determine whether it provides the basis to perform euthanasia in these cases. The meaning of certain values in particular is analysed, namely, equality, (legal) personhood, autonomy, freedom, dignity and physical and mental integrity. The intricate aspect of the identity of individuals with severe dementia merits special attention.