Individual Choice and Health. Paternalism or irresponsability against suffering and inequality.

Abstract

Public health interventions based on regulation tend to be criticized as paternalistic. It is argued that some laws restrict personal freedom and that the state should respect the freedom of choice of the individual citizen. On the other hand, there are several arguments to support the use of law to protect the health of the population. If we accept that human beings are inherently social and interdependent, if follows that we must both apply human rights and social justice, and develop social solidarity and a sense of shared destiny. This also implies the use of laws to ensure that all people have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy life and have access to health services. Inaction is a gross irresponsibility with serious consequences, which in turn limit the freedom of the population more than the real or supposed paternalism that those laws might incorporate.