Euthanasia (Mercy Killing)

 Euthanasia (Mercy Killing)

Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a patient to limit the patient's suffering. The patient in question would typically be terminally ill or experiencing great pain and suffering. The word “euthanasia” itself comes from the Greek words “eu” (good) and “thanatos” (death).

An easy or painless death, or the intentional ending of the life of a person suffering from an incurable or painful disease at his or her request. Also called mercy killing.

The Supreme Court has laid down progressive guidelines that can be used until such legislation is enacted.

In Jain Philosophy, it is mentioned as sathvaro when an individual stops taking anything by mouth and faces death. 

Concerns of a moral and legal nature have been raised. The right to die with dignity is regarded as a fundamental component of the right to life in India, as stated in Article 21 of the Constitution of India. On the other hand, terminal illness not only causes excruciating physical pain but also emotional suffering and psychological anguish in both the patient and the caregiver. Should terminally ill patients be allowed to select how they wish to die?

In its own unique way, today's modern society both accepts and rejects the practice of euthanasia. There is some scepticism regarding the ethical execution of euthanasia, as well as the malpractices that may be carried out in the guise of euthanasia that could have disastrous consequences. While the majority of people are sympathetic to the idea of ending someone's life to relieve them of a long-standing and redundant state of pain and misery through voluntary or passive means, there is some speculative notion regarding the ethical execution of euthanasia.

The ethical question of euthanasia is a minefield that can never be satisfactorily answered

While some still consider euthanasia a form of murder and believe in the sanctity of life and supremacy of God for the culmination of life, many supporters, with the development of human rights and technology, strongly support the autonomy and the will of an individual in ending one’s life. To live a dignified life and similarly have a dignified end to it, forms of euthanasia are slowly being accepted to enable an individual to end their pain and suffering before death. No power or authority supersedes what comes from within, and thus, the ultimate choice of cessation of life should be a decision only in the hands of the individual himself.

The Supreme Court has laid down progressive guidelines that can be used until such legislation is enacted. The debate over euthanasia in India is, however, still wide open as no legislation has been brought about, and medical practitioners as well as individuals continue to rely upon the guidelines put forth by the Courts.

As medical technology advances and life can be prolonged artificially, the debate over the right to die with dignity has grown significantly. Legalising euthanasia remains a controversial issue, balancing ethical, moral, legal, and emotional considerations.

Proponents argue that euthanasia allows individuals to die with dignity rather than endure prolonged suffering. Individuals should have autonomy over their bodies, including the decision to end their lives when quality of life has deteriorated beyond repair. Euthanasia is legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada; of course, strict regulations and thorough consent procedures are in place to prevent abuse.

On the other hand, opponents fear that legalising euthanasia could lead to its misuse, especially among the vulnerable, elderly, or disabled. Euthanasia raises complex questions: Who decides when a life is no longer worth living?

Ultimately, the decision to legalise euthanasia reflects deeper values about life, death, and personal freedom. It challenges societies to weigh compassion against caution, autonomy against ethical boundaries.