NCE Public Event - June 27, 2024, Bellinzona - Ethical aspects of sterilization of persons permanently unable to decide.

29.07.2024

Ethical aspects of sterilization of persons permanently unable to decide.
NCE Public Event - June 27, 2024, Bellinzona

On the occasion of its annual retreat, the National Advisory Commission on Biomedical Ethics (NCE) organized, in collaboration with the Commissione di etica clinica nell'ambito della disabilità (COMED) and the Sasso Corbaro Foundation, and thanks to the support of the city of Bellinzona, a public event on the subject of sterilization of persons permanently unable to decide - a subject on which the NCE is currently working following a request from the Federal Office for Equality for People with Disabilities (BFEH).

After formal greetings from NCE President Markus Zimmermann and Bellinzona Mayor Mario Branda, and an introduction by NCE Vice-President Samia Hurst-Majno, BFEH legal expert Dr. Sofia Balzaretti presented the legal framework for the sterilization of persons permanently unable to decide, and the political context of the sterilization law. 

After her presentation, she took part in a round-table discussion along with Prof. Samia Hurst-Majno, ethicist at the University of Geneva and member of the NCE, Donatella Oggier Fusi, teacher at SUPSI DEASS, atgabbes and Dr. Simone Romagnoli, ethicist at the HETS in Geneva and also member of the NCE.

Several topics were discussed, such as the rights of people with disabilities to sexual and reproductive freedom, the assessment of the ability to decide, and the protection of those concerned against abuse and paternalism. The audience then had the opportunity to ask questions to the speakers. The fact that the sexual and reproductive rights of people with disabilities are all too often not respected was the subject of much debate, and the wish for change was repeatedly expressed. Finally, an aperitif brought the event to a close and provided an opportunity for further discussion.

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