Selected legal problems of non-heteronormative people (LGBT+) in palliative care

Both scientists and healthcare professionals are devoting more and more attention to issues related to the special needs of LGBT+ people in the field of health protection and legal issues. Many issues are relatively poorly understood in Poland and the growing awareness of society is conducive to positive changes in the perception of the needs of various minorities, including LGBT+. The authors have raised in this article some important legal issues concerning LGBT patients receiving palliative care and accompanying caregivers. The focus was on the current legal challenges faced by terminally ill LGBT patients, carers and providers involved in end-of-life palliative care. Both palliative care and end-of-life care pose particular challenges for LGBT patients and their relatives. Basic standards of the right to equality in the EU and legal protection of LGBT+ people in Poland are discussed.

Human rights, including the right to health care, are inalienable rights that belong to every human being. Despite a number of regulations prohibiting discrimination on any grounds, including sexual orientation or gender identity, LGBT people are often subject to various persecution, harassment and discrimination, including as people receiving palliative care. In relation to LGBT people, the right to non-discrimination and the right to participate are violated, most often resulting from too hasty regulations preventing LGBT people from being accepted members of society.