Bioethics, immigration and health care: tensions and convergences on the human right to health in Brazil in the regional integration of the countries

Abstract

Introduction  Migratory flows are a global phenomenon, a process in which Brazil is involved. Although migration doesn’t necessarily have repercussions as a health threat, it can increase the vulnerability of individuals, making public policies that guarantee the right to health care essential. This article aims to analyze bioethical issues related to the fulfillment of the human right to access health services for immigrants in Brazil.

Method  An electronic search in the SciELO database and bioethics, human rights and public health journals, without restriction for language or year of publication.

Result  The present literature review identified 16 studies categorized according to MERCOSUR immigrants and other sources, and immigrants located on the border region. Brazil is seeking to respect the human right to health for immigrants through new forms of health care related activities, with specific measures and strategies, and more expanded and flexible work processes; but there were ethical clashes with regard to equity, universality and non-discrimination.

Conclusion  It’s still necessary to create and constantly improve policies and practices for achieving ethical responsibility to this population and the access for health care in Brazil to be consolidated as a universal human right, especially in border regions.

Keywords:  immigration; human right to health; bioethics; Brazil; MERCOSUR