L’approche bioéthique envers les personnes handicapées. Une novelle idée de justice

The National Bioethics Committee of the Republic of San Marino, established in 2010, has decided to tackle as a matter of priority, the issue of disability, taking in account that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) ratified by 126 countries has not been followed by a document on disability on the side of the national bioethics committees. A representative of Disabled Peoples International (DPI) took part in the working group. The condition of persons with disabilities is a Human Rights matter. So any treatment towards these persons must garantee equal opportunity and no discrimination. The definition of disability in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities stresses the responsibility of the society and the professionals too, to abolish negative stereotypes and barriers. Moving from a medical/individual model of disability to a social model based on respect of Human Rights, a new idea of justice must guide the bioethics issues for these persons. To fullfil these goals the participation of persons with disabilities in the decision concerning them is essential as well as their involvement in the committees and the bioethics debate.