Assisted suicide and euthanasia refer to practices where a person intentionally ends their life with assistance from others. This assistance comes in two types: active and passive. Active euthanasia involves the use of substances to end a person’s life, and is legal in a limited number of countries. Passive euthanasia, on the other hand, entails stopping lifesaving treatment or medical intervention with the patient’s consent or that of a family member or friend representing the patient.
Global Status of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
Around the world, several jurisdictions permit assisted suicide and euthanasia under defined circumstances. Several European nations, some states in Australia, and Colombia in South America have laws allowing these practices.
The Debate around Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
The topic of assisted suicide and euthanasia sparks heated debates with arguments both for and against these practices. Advocates argue for freedom of choice, improved quality of life, dying with dignity, effective resource utilization, humanity, and lessening the grieving period for loved ones.
Conversely, detractors cite moral and religious objections, concerns about patient competence, the potential guilt felt by patients, the risk of a slippery slope effect, and difficulties in effectively regulating euthanasia.
Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in India
India legalized passive euthanasia in 2018, according to a Supreme Court ruling. The court stated that an adult in their conscious mind can refuse medical treatment or voluntarily decide not to take medical treatment to embrace death naturally under certain conditions.
The court outlined guidelines for ‘living will’ and defined passive euthanasia and euthanasia. For terminally ill patients who anticipate slipping into a permanent vegetative state, the court has laid down guidelines for ‘living will’.
The apex court stated that in such cases, the rights of a patient do not fall outside of Article 21 (right to life and liberty) of the Indian Constitution. The court had previously allowed passive euthanasia for nurse Aruna Shanbaug, who spent decades in a vegetative state, becoming a focal point in debates regarding the right to die and euthanasia legality in India.
However, another Supreme Court bench cited inconsistencies in earlier verdicts on passive euthanasia, including the Shanbaug case, and referred the matter to a Constitution bench in 2014.
The Case of Jean-Luc Godard
The topic of assisted suicide has recently returned to the news following the death by assisted suicide of Jean-Luc Godard, an iconic figure of French New Wave cinema. At 91 years old, his decision has reignited discussions and debates about this sensitive issue.
