Euthanasia: The Death of Dignity

The word ‘Euthanasia’ is derived from two Greek words, ‘Eu’ meaning ‘Good’ and ‘Thanatos,’ meaning ‘Death.’ When put together, it means ‘Good Death.’ It originally is the act or practice of ending one’s life, either relieve pain or end further suffering.

The concept has always been a controversial topic since its origin.

It comes in different forms, each of which has its nuts and bolts:

1. Active Euthanasia

2. Passive Euthanasia

3. Voluntary Euthanasia

4. Involuntary Euthanasia

5. Indirect Euthanasia

Active Euthanasia is when death is deliberately caused due to an act like an overdose of painkillers but is often considered a wrong choice or a Derek called.

Passive Euthanasia is when an act or omission causes death. In doctors don’t directly kill the patient; they allow the patient to die and practically considered less harmful than Active.

It can execute in 2 ways-

 Either by Withdrawing Treatment

 Or by Withholding Treatment

Voluntary Euthanasia is when the patients themselves is requesting to end their life-0-0 of suffering.

Involuntary Euthanasia, also referred to as Non-Voluntary Euthanasia, occurs when the person suffering is unconscious and is unable to make a meaningful choice either mentally or emotionally, so someone on behalf of the patient decides in the eyes of the law.

Indirect Euthanasia refers to providing treatment that usually reduces the pain that has the side effect of speeding the patient’s death. Since it does not intend to kill, this is morally acceptable by most people, and this process is formally called the doctrine of double effect.

According to Hindu Traditions and Belief, Hindus seem less interested in modern traditions and philosophies. For Hindus, culture and faith are inextricable. Karma always decided a soul’s next life and the consequence of its good and bad actions. Hence, it will cause the soul and body to end at an unnatural time, and ultimately doing this will damage the cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth.

In March 2018, India’s Supreme Court issued a landmark judgment allowing “Passive Euthanasia” by saying that if there is a Right to Live with Dignity, then why not to Die with Dignity? and allowed passive Euthanasia the Right to Die with Dignity under strict Guidelines.

He added, “If a person’s condition is incurable and if he’s kept alive as a vegetable in great pain, why should he live like that?” and nobody can force a person to live on support of a ventilator. Keeping a patient alive by artificial means against his/her wishes is an assault on his/her body,” the judge added.

While it is still illegal under English Law and the Suicide Act 1961, both Euthanasia and assisted suicide is a criminal offense and is punishable by 14 years imprisonment. But the number of countries legalizing it is growing day by day. Like Switzerland, Netherlands,

Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, Colombia, Australia, USA, France are examples of countries that have legalized voluntary death.

I want to conclude by saying that it may be necessary to hear all voices before a reckless decision. Since each individual has a right of expression, I think the best way to answer whether it should be legal to free and fair voting and the outcome upheld.

Written By – Ishita Singh.