Euthanasia

Euthanasia Latest News

The Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a plea in seeking passive euthanasia for rabies patients.

About Passive Euthanasia

• Euthanasia is defined as the hastening of death of a patient to prevent further suffering.
• The term "euthanasia" comes from the Greek phrase "eu thanatos", in which "eu" means "good" and "thanatos" translates into "death." Literally speaking, the maxim translates to "easy death".
• The practice of euthanasia can be classified into the following two categories:
• Active Euthanasia: 
  • Active euthanasia is a method that involves taking active steps to end a life. 
  • This involves taking positive steps to end a patient's life, such as by administering them a dose of medication through their intravenous line that will kill them. 
  • Active euthanasia is also sometimes referred to by the term "aggressive euthanasia”.
• Passive Euthanasia: 
  • Passive Euthanasia is defined as the deliberate act of causing someone's death by withholding or withdrawing artificial life support, such as a ventilator, from a patient who is terminally ill. 
  • In a case like this, something that is essential to save a patient’s life is not done.

Euthanasia Legality in India

• In a landmark ruling in the Common Cause vs. Union of India case (2018), a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court recognised the right to die as part of the right to life, legalising passive euthanasia and permitting the creation of a “living will”for terminally ill patients or those in a persistent vegetative state with no hope of recovery, ensuring a dignified exit by refusing medical treatment or life support.
• However, in India, active euthanasia is illegal and a crime. 

Euthanasia FAQs

Q1. Which country legalized euthanasia first?

Ans. The Netherlands was the first country to legalize euthanasia. 

Q2. What is duo euthanasia?

Ans. Duo euthanasia is when two people choose to die together, often due to terminal illness, unbearable suffering, or a desire to pass away together from old age or psychological distress.

Q3. What is Voluntary euthanasia?

Ans. Voluntary euthanasia is when a competent person consents to end their own life with the assistance of a doctor, typically due to unbearable suffering from a terminal illness or incurable condition

Source: HT