Brazil: Discussions on death education and advance directives

In Brazil, experts and new legislation are highlighting the importance of discussing mortality and end-of-life care. Psychologist Simone Lira suggests that education regarding death can help families navigate loss and grief with more openness, rather than through silence and avoidance.

Legislation enacted in April 2026, known as the Statute of Patient Rights, provides legal weight to these conversations through advance directives. This law allows individuals to document in writing the medical treatments and care they accept or refuse in the event they can no longer express their own will. These directives must be respected by healthcare professionals and families, ensuring patient autonomy and the right to palliative care.