ABSTRACT
International migration has created a compelling situation regarding how to protect both public health in the receiving countries as well as the health of immigrants. Although insufficient, the available data indicates that immigrants have limited access to health services. The issue poses a problem that needs to be addressed in terms of both human rights and bioethics. International documents recognize a very broad right to health, including the social determinants of health, but the extent to which this right can be realized depends on local conditions and health systems. Countries provide different levels of services to different immigrant groups. While emergency services are usually provided, they do not meet the need, especially for undocumented immigrants. Legal status issues, financial issues, and language and cultural barriers are among the factors that prevent migrants from accessing health care. This study will review the status of immigrants’ access to health services and the factors affecting access and evaluate the contribution discussions on bioethics bring to the subject. A gap exists between the idea of human rights and the philosophical debates in bioethics; however, bioethics debates can be considered to better express the practical realities of health systems. Advancements in the discussions on bioethics can contribute positively to the subject, and the right to health can also be kept as a guiding ideal.