Contextual and Cultural Perspectives on Neurorights: Reflections Toward an International Consensus.

The development and use of advanced and innovative neuroscience, neurotechnology and some forms of artificial intelligence have exposed potential threats to the human condition, including human rights. As a result, reconceptualizing or creating human rights (i.e. neurorights) has been proposed to address specific brain and mind issues like free will, personal identity and cognitive liberty. However, perceptions, interpretations and meanings of these issues-and of neurorights-may vary between countries, contexts and cultures, all relevant for an international-consensus definition and implementation of neurorights. Thus, we encourage reflecting on the proactive inclusion of transnational, cross-cultural and contextual considerations and concerns to contribute to the global discourse. This inclusion does not mean endorsing ethical relativism but rather a call to foster a universal understanding of key concepts and concerns. Including contextual and cultural perspectives may truly anticipate global concerns which could be addressed while developing and implementing neurorights. Consequently, any ethical and/or legal regulatory framework(s) for the translational and transnational use of advanced neuroscience, neurotechnology and some forms of artificial intelligence intended to protect and safeguard human dignity should be contextually and culturally mindful, responsible, respectful and inclusive of not only human rights and fundamental freedoms but also of neurocognitive cultural diversity.

Recomendaciones bioéticas respecto al consentimiento informado de personas con discapacidad / Bioethics recommendations regarding informed consent in people with disabilities

La Convención de los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad de las Naciones Unidas promueve la participación plena y efectiva de esta población en la toma de decisiones en salud. El consentimiento informado es el proceso que impulsa la autonomía de esta población como esencia del abordaje integral e inclusivo que promueva su competencia y su capacidad jurídica. Para salvaguardar la validez del consentimiento se proponen recomendaciones que optimicen la recepción, el análisis y la comprensión de información médica mediante apoyos y ajustes razonables enfocados en la persona y el entorno, y deben estar en concordancia con la Convención.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities promotes the active and responsible participation of this group of people in medical care decision-making. The informed consent is the process which promotes their autonomy for an integral and inclusive approach that enhaces their competence and legal capacity. To protect the validity of the informed consent, some recommendations are proposed. These must improve reception, analysis, and comprehension of medical information through support, and reasonable accommodation focused on the person and the environment, and they must be in agreement with the Convention.