Context:

The Parliament of the United Kingdom to vote on legalizing assisted dying.

Details

Currently, assisting a suicide is against the law in the UK. The new proposed bill in the UK will allow patients to choose to end their lives with medical assistance by following strict protocol. The full details about the bill are not yet public.

Many countries in Europe and North America have legalized assisted dying with different rules. For example, Belgium and Netherlands allow it under specific conditions, while in the US, 10 states permit it, each with its own guidelines related to medical evaluations and waiting period.

What is Assisted Dying?

It refers to the practice of providing assistance to a person who wishes to end their own life mainly due to long-term illness or severe suffering. The assistants can come in various forms, such as providing the necessary means or information to enable the person to carry out the act themselves.

What is the Difference between Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide?

In case of Euthanasia, a third party, mainly a healthcare professional is involved in actively ending a person's life to end suffering. It can be voluntary (with the patient's consent), non-voluntary (when the patient is unable to consent), or involuntary (against the patient's wishes, which is generally considered unethical and illegal).

In the case of Assisted suicide, the individual takes the final decision to end their own life, but with the assistance of another person, mainly a health care provider, who may prescribe or provide the means for the person to end life.

Legal Stance in India

The Supreme Court in the Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011) allowed passive euthanasia for patients in a permanent vegetative state, subject to approval by the High Court.

In Common Cause Judgment (2018), the Supreme Court recognized the right to die with dignity as a fundamental right. It allowed passive euthanasia and the creation of a living bill, which allows individuals to refuse medical treatment in case of terminal illness.

Arguments in favour

Individuals should have the right to make decisions about their own lives, including the choice to end their suffering through assisted dying.

It is important to respect a person's autonomy and their ability to make informed decisions about their own body and life.

Assisted dyeing is an act of kindness, which allows a patient to get free from unbearable suffering and pain.

It allows individuals to die with dignity on their own terms, rather than going through long term suffering.

Argument against

Legalizing assisted dying could lead to pressure on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or disabled, to end their lives prematurely.

It could erode trust in the medical profession, as doctors might be seen as agents of death rather than healers.

Many religious and philosophical traditions hold that life is sacred and should not be intentionally ended.

Family and society has a moral duty to protect life and provide care rather than facilitating death.

Challenges

Healthcare providers can face an ethical dilemma between the principle of “do no harm” and respecting a patient's autonomy to choose assisted dying. They may also experience emotional and moral distress when involved in assisted dying cases, which will impact their mental health and professional practice.

Despite growing support, there remains significant opposition to assisted dying based on religions, culture, and moral grounds. Family and healthcare providers may face social stigma and judgment for participating in or supporting assisted dying.

Way Forward

Healthcare providers need adequate training on the legal, ethical and emotional aspect of assisted dying, with access to a support system to manage the psychological impact. Implement comprehensive training programs for healthcare providers on the practical aspect of assisted dying.

Organize public education campaigns to raise awareness about assisted dying, and to address misunderstandings and provide accurate information.

Must Read Articles:

RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY

PASSIVE EUTHANASIA

Source:

Indian Express

BBC

Wikipedia