The principle of human dignity as the agreed guiding principle in determining the duty to protect human life is anchored in the German Basic Law as well as in other relevant codifications of human rights. This principle formulates a direct and unconditional right to protection granted to humans first and foremost because of their ability to set themselves "goals" and "purposes" and autonomously to determine their actions. Thus, this right covers the ability itself and everything required to exercise it. The freedom to develop one's personality autonomously is therefore included in this right as is the physical inviolability of human beings and the natural, economic and social foundations of their existence.