Euthanasia

Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife Eugenie van Agt-Krekelberg passed away recently due to deteriorating health issues, after opting for euthanasia.

About Euthanasia:

• Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing or assisted suicide, is the act of intentionally ending a person’s life to relieve pain and suffering.
• It can offer a compassionate end to suffering for those with terminal illnesses or unbearable pain, allowing individuals to die with dignity and on their own terms.

Types:

• Active euthanasia, which is legal in only a few countries, entails the use of lethal substances to end the life of the patient.
• Passive euthanasia is when life-support mechanisms that are preserving the patient’s life are withdrawn.
• Voluntary Euthanasia is when a competent individual chooses to end their life due to terminal illness or unbearable pain, seeking assistance from a medical professional or another person for a peaceful death.
• Involuntary euthanasia involves ending a person’s life against their will, often without their knowledge or consent.
  • It is universally deemed unethical and is illegal in most jurisdictions.

Ethical concerns:

• Proponents argue that euthanasia provides a compassionate end to suffering for individuals with terminal illnesses or unbearable pain, enabling them to die with dignity and according to their own wishes.
  • They advocate for its legalization to grant patients autonomy and control over their bodies and lives.
• Opponents, however, raise concerns about the potential for abuse, the slippery slope towards involuntary euthanasia, and the devaluation of human life.
  • They argue that legalizing euthanasia could undermine the sanctity of life and erode trust in medical professionals.

What is the law in India?

• While active euthanasia is illegal in India, the Supreme Court in 2018 allowed living will (Passive euthanasia).
• The Supreme Court also ruled that the right to die with dignity is a fundamental right under Article 21.
• The government, however, is yet to come up with a comprehensive law on passive euthanasia.

What is ‘living will’?

• The “living will” grants individuals the right to issue advance directives regarding their treatment, including the withdrawal of life support, in the event of certain circumstances.
• This allows an adult of sound mind to refuse medical treatment or voluntarily decide not to take medical treatment to embrace death in a natural way.

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