What is euthanasia and what are the laws governing it in India

Explore the concept of euthanasia and the legal system regulating it.
Euthanasia refers to the deliberate practice of ending a person's life with their consent, typically in cases of terminal illness or unbearable suffering. In India, euthanasia is a highly debated and complex topic, with specific laws governing it. Here are the key points:
  1. The Indian legal system recognizes passive euthanasia, specifically termed 'withdrawal of life support,' which involves discontinuing medical treatment or life-sustaining measures for patients in irreversible conditions.
  2. The landmark case of Aruna Shanbaug in 2011 led to the Supreme Court of India issuing guidelines for passive euthanasia, wherein it decriminalized the withdrawal of life support under strict conditions.
  3. Active euthanasia, where medical professionals may administer lethal drugs to end a patient's life, remains illegal in India.
  4. The Supreme Court stated that the government should draft comprehensive legislation that addresses all aspects of euthanasia, but no such law has been formulated yet.
  5. Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney documents are considered as legal safeguards for individuals to express their wishes regarding end-of-life decisions.
It's important to note that the legal landscape surrounding euthanasia in India is still evolving, and there may be ongoing debates and developments in the future.
Answered 2 years ago
Amrita Aspirants