Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Should euthanasia be allowed?' that was published in Newsband

Should euthanasia be allowed?

Should euthanasia be allowed to protect the dignity of patients in a vegetative state? Should the law allow ‘living wills’?

A living will, at the same time, may relieve the close family members and caregivers of a terminally ill patient of the moral burden of making a life-ending decision.

The government is concerned that the idea may be misused and result in the neglect of the elderly. If the U.S. had a Terri Schiavo, India had its own Aruna Shanbaug, both of whom were at the centre of right-to-die arguments.

Right to a painless and dignified death is unassailable. Keeping on life support is just to prolong the inevitable. But it is moral duty of doctors to cure patients at their last breath and to financially support is the duty of State. To kill a person is against ethics and humanity.

It is indisputable that grey areas abound in the realm of 'living will.' However, in the context of our socioeconomic backgrounds, the sanctity of advance directives are not unnecessary. Nevertheless, it should be defended from misuse.

As the medical technology advancement could keep the ill in a prolonged vegetative state for many incurable conditions, the need of the time requires a thorough study and a quick resolution on 'living will' provision for such patients. Decision on ' will ' to live is a complex one and SC should thoroughly analyse the implications under the fundamental right to life and liberty. The safeguards should include certification of will by a team of doctors giving approval to end life.

We all know that life is precious but, someone's life becomes burden due to incurable disease. In the situation of incurable disease, euthanasia is not bad. It is better for both patient as well as his cortege. But, only words are not sufficient because it is easy to say but very difficult to follow. So, SC should take stringent action towards this law.

Euthanasia basically  is the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. There are different euthanasia laws in each country. Euthanasia is categorized in different ways, which include voluntary, non-voluntary, or involuntary. Voluntary euthanasia is legal in some countries. Non-voluntary euthanasia (patient's consent unavailable) is illegal in all countries. Involuntary euthanasia (without asking consent or against the patient's will) is also illegal in all countries and is usually considered murder.

In some countries there is a divisive public controversy over the moral, ethical, and legal issues of euthanasia. Passive euthanasia (known pulling the plug) is legal under some circumstances in many countries. Active euthanasia however is legal or de facto legal in only a handful of countries and is limited to specific circumstances and the approval of councilors and doctors or other specialists.