Euthanasia is derived from Greek word meaning “Decent Death”. Ending a person’s life intentionally to relieve excruciating pain is known as Euthanasia. It is depending on circumstances around and it can be regarded as slaying or murder. There are countless ways to describe euthanasia. Euthanasia laws are different in each country. Euthanasia is legal in few countries such as Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia and Luxemburg. Euthanasia is of two types that is Active Euthanasia and Passive Euthanasia. When death is given by act, it is known as Active Euthanasia. Passive Euthanasia refers when person is died because of negligence.
Now, the issue is whether Euthanasia is legal or not. There are two views on Euthanasia. One are those who supports euthanasia due to rights of patients or persons who decided to choose Euthanasia to relieve pain which is unbearable. There are lots of patients who were suffers from severe disability and became hopeless to an extent that they choose death over life. Other ones are opponents who understand the importance of life and have faith in doctors who were treating them. They oppose the euthanasia concept and believes that society has no right to kill anyone either by person’s choice or not.
In today’s world to live life with comfort, serenity, calmness and pleasure is not so easy. Everyone wants more and more as human beings are very greedy. Greediness does not sit an person with calmly and peacefully.
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Everyone wants to fulfill their basic necessities to live life happily. Accomplishment of basic necessities gives a satisfaction up to an extent. But if anyone could not accomplish their basic goals for survival or suffering from a hazardous disease, wishes to death as soon as possible or they attempt suicide. Suicide is also a manner of Euthanasia as it also puts an end to life but it involves person’s wish. Satisfaction from life we are living is play a vital role as it avoids Euthanasia up to an extent.
There are many reasons for attempting euthanasia. In India euthanasia is adopted by Jain culture. Persons who are aged in Jain culture relinquish food and water which are basic necessities to live a long life. It brings them near to death. Supreme Court declared it illegal.
According to Article 21 of Constitution of India, 1950 “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”. It does not state any right regards life putting an end otherwise it will termed as murder, suicide, etc. non voluntary euthanasia will attract penalized manner as described in prescribed laws of particular country.
Hence, it is concluded that Euthanasia is legal but up to an extent. It includes both voluntary and non-voluntary Euthanasia. Voluntary Euthanasia is can be legal if person suffering from severe disability or near to death. But non voluntary Euthanasia will always termed as illegal as it is against the wish of respective person.
References
- Merriam-Webster: Euthanasia
- NHS: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Voluntary Euthanasia
- End of Life Law & Policy in Canada
- World Health Organization Europe: Belgium Passes Historic Euthanasia Law
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide – Killing or Caring?
- Golden Gate University Law Review: Euthanasia and Doctor-Assisted Suicide
