Bodily integrity

Bodily integrity is the inviolability of the physical body and emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy, self-ownership, and self-determination of human beings over their own bodies. In the field of human rights, violation of the bodily integrity of another is regarded as an unethical infringement, intrusive, and possibly criminal.

Concept

The concept of bodily integrity stems from the principle of individual autonomy and personal self-sovereignty. It is a fundamental aspect of human rights and is protected by various international human rights instruments. The concept is closely related to, and often overlaps with, various other human rights, including the right to privacy, the right to freedom from torture, and the right to life.

Legal Aspects

In many legal jurisdictions, a violation of bodily integrity can result in significant penalties, including criminal charges, civil liability, and professional disciplinary action. This can include cases of medical malpractice, where a medical professional has performed procedures without the informed consent of the patient.

Medical Ethics

In medical ethics, the principle of bodily integrity is often applied to issues such as abortion, organ donation, and medical experimentation. The principle emphasizes the importance of informed consent and the right of the patient to refuse treatment, even if that treatment could save or prolong the patient's life.

Cultural and Social Aspects

Bodily integrity is also a significant issue in many social and cultural contexts. It is often invoked in debates over issues such as circumcision, female genital mutilation, and body modification. In these contexts, the principle of bodily integrity is used to argue against practices that alter the body without the full, free, and informed consent of the individual.

See Also

• Human rights
• Medical ethics
• Informed consent
• Circumcision debate
• Female genital mutilation