Passive Euthanasia And The Right To Die With Dignity: An Analysis Of The Indian Legal Framework
- IJLLR Journal
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
Janani R, Assistant Professor, Crescent School of Law
ABSTRACT
Euthanasia, especially the right to die with dignity, has become a controversial topic in legal, ethical, and medical discussions. The interpretation of the "right to life"- whether it includes the right to die, particularly in situations involving terminal illness and unbearable suffering is at the forefront of this debate. The "right to die with dignity" does not imply a right to a premature or unnatural death; rather, it advocates for a humane end to life. In India, legal discussions have primarily focused on passive euthanasia, which involves the discontinuation or refusal of life- sustaining medical treatment. As a result, courts are increasingly being asked to provide guidance on whether a patient may decline medical procedures that merely extend life without improving its quality. Medical technology has advanced to the point where individuals with incurable illnesses can be artificially kept alive, often enduring prolonged suffering. In such situations, many argue that palliative care is preferable to aggressive treatment. This study critically explores the multifaceted dimensions of passive euthanasia, encompassing its legal, ethical, and medical ramifications- with the objective of evaluating whether the legal framework should recognize an individual's autonomy to forgo lifeprolonging interventions in favour of a dignified death.
Keywords: Passive Euthanasia, right to die, medical procedures, Palliative care.
