EUTHANASIA

NEWS: The Supreme Court has recently directed a medical board to examine whether passive euthanasia can be allowed for a 31-year-old man who has been in a vegetative state for over 10 years due to quadriplegia.

Euthanasia

• The word Euthanasia comes from Greek: Eu = good thanatos = death → “Good death” or “Merciful/Peaceful death”
• Definition: Euthanasia refers to intentionally hastening a patient’s death to prevent suffering, usually in cases of incurable or terminal illness.

Types of Euthanasia

• Active Euthanasia: A doctor directly performs an act to end life.
  • Example: injecting a lethal drug.
  • It is deliberate and medically administered
• Passive Euthanasia: Doctors withdraw or withhold life sustaining treatment.
  • Examples: stopping ventilator, removing feeding tube, not restarting CPR.
  • Seen as letting nature take its course rather than causing death.
  • Passive euthanasia is legally allowed in India under strict conditions.

Euthanasia in India – Legal Framework

• Passive Euthanasia Allowed
• Case: Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018)
  • A 5-judge Constitution Bench ruled:
  • Right to die with dignity is part of Article 21 (Right to Life).
  • Passive euthanasia is allowed for terminally ill patients.
  • Individuals can execute a Living Will / Advance Medical Directive

Living Will

• A written document stating that: If the person later becomes terminally ill or unconscious, they do not want life-support treatment (ventilator, feeding tube, CPR, etc.).
• The will must be: Voluntarily drafted attested, approved through medical boards before withdrawing treatment. This ensures protection against misuse.

Active Euthanasia – Illegal

• Considered culpable homicide under the IPC.
• No legal provision allows causing death through direct intervention.

Quadriplegia:

• Paralysis from neck down due to cervical spinal cord injury.
• Usually permanent; affects movement + some autonomic functions.