Euthanasia, commonly known as mercy killing, is a very controversial topic that has been addressed for years all over the world. In recent years, euthanasia has been a controversial issue in India, with several people advocating for its legalization. Euthanasia is now illegal in India. The Indian Criminal Code (IPC) defines euthanasia as any act that causes a person to die and punishes it as a crime. Nevertheless, some important legal advancements in recent years have forced the debate over euthanasia to the center of attention of the general public. People have the right to die with autonomy and dignity, according to those who favor legalizing euthanasia. In cases of severe sickness or severe suffering, they think it is cruel to keep patients alive. The freedom to decide when and how to die is a crucial component of personal autonomy, and legalizing euthanasia would grant patients that freedom. By making euthanasia legal, patients would be prevented from using risky and painful illegal methods to end their lives. Some patients may decide to commit suicide, which can be upsetting for their loved ones and families. By making euthanasia legal, patients would have access to a humane method of passing away. On the other hand, euthanasia opponents argue that it violates medical ethics' ideals and the dignity of life. They argue as well that it might be exploited and that weak people might be forced to choose euthanasia. In conclusion, there are strong disagreements on both sides of the debate around euthanasia in India. As a society, we must consider the challenging moral and legal questions relevant to end-of-life care while protecting personal autonomy and the right to pass away with dignity. Quite apart from the fact that euthanasia is still illegal in India, the Supreme Court's historic decision and the pending legislation offer a platform for a much-needed discussion on the issue. The ultimate aim of end-of-life care should be to console patients and to ensure that their desires are respected and fulfilled to the maximum extent possible. As we continue to negotiate this complex matter, it is important to keep this in mind.
References
Euthanasia: An Indian perspective - PMC. (n.d.). NCBI. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3440914/
Passive Euthanasia Now a Legal Reality in India. (2018, March 9). The Wire. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://thewire.in/health/passive-euthanasia-now-a-legal-reality-in-india
SC simplifies its rules on passive euthanasia | India News. (2023, January 25). Times of India. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-simplifies-its-rules-on-passive-euthanasia/articleshow/97293271.cms