| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Highlight differences between legal frameworks & societal standards between UK & India Conclusion: Way forward |
Euthanasia, or assisted dying, is a highly debated ethical and legal issue worldwide, with countries adopting varying stances based on cultural, legal, and societal considerations. India distinguishes itself by recognizing the right to die with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution through the Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018) judgment.
Contents
Ethical Concerns Raised by Opponents in the U.K.
- Vulnerability of Patients: Severely disabled or terminally ill individuals might feel pressured to end their lives to alleviate the emotional or financial burden on their families.
- Potential Undermining of Care: Legalisation could reduce investments in hospice and palliative care services.
- Ethical Dilemmas: Critics, including the Church of England, stress that easing the path to death might devalue efforts to make life worth living for the disabled and terminally ill.
Legal and Societal Perspectives in India
- Passive Euthanasia Legalisation: Involves withdrawing life support for terminally ill or vegetative patients, enabling a natural death.
- Guidelines for Implementation: Living wills must be executed with judicial oversight, a process further simplified by the Supreme Court in 2023.
- Recent Draft Guidelines (2023): The Health Ministry issued norms to guide healthcare professionals, emphasizing dignity and refraining from unnecessary interventions.
Comparison Between the U.K. and India
| Aspect |
| India | ||
| Form of Euthanasia | The proposed legalization of active euthanasia for terminally ill individuals. | Only passive euthanasia is legal. | ||
| Legislative Process | Requires parliamentary approval; involves significant ethical debate | Legalized through a Supreme Court judgment. | ||
| Safeguards | Approval by two doctors and a High Court judge. | Living wills, attestation by Judicial Magistrate. | ||
| Cultural Sensitivities | Widespread public support (75%), but ethical concerns remain. | Strong emphasis on dignity and avoiding misuse. |
Conclusion
While compassionate arguments exist in favor of assisted dying, its legalization involves complex ethical dilemmas. In the U.K., public support underscores the demand for autonomy in end-of-life decisions. However, in India, passive euthanasia is seen as a balanced approach that respects dignity while addressing societal concerns about misuse. Both frameworks aim to align legal provisions with cultural values and ethical boundaries.
