THE RIGHT TO EUTHANASIA

EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia is defined as the practice of intentionally ending one’s life to alleviate suffering and pain. Often referred to as “assisted suicide”, euthanasia has been an actively debated issue as it puts into question several moral, ethical, and legal values.

EUTHANASIA ACROSS THE WORLD

Countries around the world have taken various stands on euthanasia, but the legal status of the practice is unknown in large sections of the world. States allowing euthanasia generally have one or both of the following:

1) Active Euthanasia- Using lethal doses of a substance to induce death. Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands are one of the only countries that allow active euthanasia

2) Passive Euthanasia- Withholding treatment that is required to sustain life, also known as “pulling the plug”.

UK, USA, India, and South Korea are some states which only allow passive euthanasia. Countries that have accorded euthanasia an illegal status include the Philippines, Peru, and Ireland.

Euthanasia Status in Different Countries

EUTHANASIA STATUS IN COUNTRIES

India

Passive Euthanasia Allowed

South Korea

Passive Euthanasia Allowed

Belgium

Active Euthanasia Allowed

Canada

Active Euthanasia Allowed

USA

Varies

The Philippines

Illegal

Ireland

Illegal

INDIA’S STAND ON EUTHANASIA

Passive euthanasia was legalized in India in 2018. Stipulations included that the patient must consent through a living will, must be suffering from a terminal illness, or was in a vegetative state. The case that led to the same was widely publicized and documented in the country.

The topic of euthanasia was brought into light when one Ms Pinki Virani pleaded to the Supreme Court to withdraw life support from her friend, Aruna Shanbaug, who had been in a permanent vegetative state for 37 years in 2009. Even though the plea was not sustained, it led to the laying down of the guidelines of the Passive Euthanasia Law.

Active euthanasia is still banned in India.

THE ETHICS AND MORALITY BEHIND THE PRACTICE

What is often debated about euthanasia is the individual right to self-determination and the morality behind the exercise. People who support euthanasia say that an individual has a right to choose their fate and should be allowed to escape from suffering if they so wish.

Additionally, citing examples of the countries that have active euthanasia, the pro-euthanasia activists argue that legalizing euthanasia will not lead to unfavourable consequences.

People who oppose the practice say that it is hard to measure how much suffering is considered adequate before one can apply for euthanasia. They also say that medicine and medical procedures have made enough progress that one may be relieved of pain without having to resort to death.

Apart from this, there also exists the argument that since the intensity of pain and suffering is immeasurable, legal euthanasia may have adverse effects on society.

Euthanasia is also under fire from major religions of the world, most of them believing that – since God makes life, then God alone should have the right to take it. No mortal should be allowed to handle the fate of man.

In a poll conducted in the UK, 82% of the responders supported assisted death. A survey in the USA revealed that almost half of the American population was in support of assisted suicide. Even with the various debates and discussions surrounding the subject, it appears that passive euthanasia has encountered positive responses from the masses.