[Advance directives in Switzerland: brief analysis on ethical perspectives]. / Les directives anticipées en Suisse: une brève analyse en perspective éthique.

The author describes the political atmosphere in Switzerland which accepts the principle of advanced directives. Until now only a few cantons have legally defined the advanced directives. At the present, during the revision of common law and especially the revision of the guardianship law, the parliament is discussing a chapter dedicated to advanced directives. In this way the statute of advanced directive will be the same in all cantons. The author underlines the importance/necessity and the partiality of the principle of autonomy in this field.

["A good death": perception of health personnel in French-speaking Switzerland]. / La "bonne mort": Perceptions des professionnels de soins en Suisse Romande.

AIMS: To describe the perception of "Good death" among health personnel working in nursing homes in French-speaking Switzerland and to identify the differential explanatory factors. METHODS: A cross sectional study with a self-administered questionnaire, adapted from the "the' new measure of concept of good death", was done among health personnel in 5 nursing homes (2 in Geneva and 3 from Valais) in spring 2004. One hundred and sixty one persons participated at the study representing over 90% of the personel contacted. RESULTS: Four points were considered hallmarks of "Good death" by more than 80% of respondents: i.e. pain control, serenity and peace, presence of family members or close friends, respect of the last will. Up to 70% further consider as important elements the support of health professionals, the opportunity to transmit one's values and access to spiritual and/or religious support. Around 50% of respondents also consider as important "being able to chose the place of death", "having time to prepare one self", "staying conscious to the end" and "having control over body functions". These perceptions vary according to the place of work, the sex, the training in palliative care, the professional experience and of the number of deaths with which respondents were confronted. CONCLUSION: There seems to be converging opinions among health personel on what "Good death" should be. Public health decisions makers need to be informed on this.

Etica del ambiente natural, derecho y políticas ambientales: tentativa de un balance y de perspectivas para el futuro / Natural environment ethics, law and environmental polices: an attempt for balance and perspectives for the future

Desde hace tres décadas, a lo menos, en diversos contextos culturales se ha desarrollado una reflexión articulada acerca de la relación buena y justa que el hombre debe mantener con el ambiente natural que lo rodea. Esta reflexión se ha venido estructurando con modalidades diversas, que guardan relación con las diferentes opciones y escuelas que caracterizan la discusión ética y con las diversas tendencias propias de las discusiones relativas al ambiente. Este texto busca examinar y dar cuenta de esta reflexión, intentando identificar con claridad las conexiones internas y las eventuales diferencias.