CURRENT LEGAL ASPECTS REGARDING THE RIGHT TO LIFE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

The right to life is the most fundamental human right, enshrined in both international treaties and national constitutions. This paper explores the current legal challenges and ethical implications surrounding this right, analyzing how it is protected and interpreted in the European context. The study addresses controversial issues such as abortion, euthanasia, organ transplantation, and the death penalty, with comparative insights from Romania, Poland, and the United States. The section on abortion highlights the restrictive Polish legislation and contrasts it with the more permissive Romanian framework, illustrating how different legal and cultural environments influence the recognition of women’s rights. The research also examines euthanasia and assisted suicide, drawing attention to the tensions between the individual’s autonomy and the state’s duty to preserve life. Moreover, the legal and ethical dimensions of organ transplantation are investigated, especially regarding informed consent and equitable access. One of the key contributions of the paper is the discussion of artificial intelligence in medicine, emphasizing its transformative role in diagnostics and treatment, while also questioning accountability and data protection. The study further reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the moral dilemmas raised by limited medical resources, prioritization of care, and access to treatment. By using a qualitative approach and legal analysis, the paper offers a comprehensive understanding of how the right to life is challenged and protected in today’s dynamic social, legal, and technological environment. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the academic and policy debate on the future of human rights protection in the EU, providing both legal insights and policy recommendations for strengthening the legal framework surrounding the right to life.