Inequality, Bioethics and Human Rights

Abstract

The aim of this article is to demonstrate that the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (UDBHR) constitutes an appropriate theoretical-normative tool for proposing reflexive and prescriptive  contributions on the current context of inequality, particularly in health. The study involves bibliographical and documentary review concerning inequality and how it unfolds in the health area, as well as the UDBHR. It has been found that the UDBHR provides tools that make possible reflection and prescription regarding inequality, notably through the principles of justice and of international cooperation. The principle of justice convokes the States and international institutions to adopt policies aimed at reconfiguring the current system of distribution of resources in the world; and the principle of international cooperation lends impulse to the shaping of models of cooperation that give priority to inequality among the countries and population groups, and that contribute to growing solidarity among the peoples.