The Wikipedia defines Euthanasia (from Greek: "good death") is the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. I recently had the opportunity to speak in a group discussion and as I sat observing the speakers, it was evident that people carried the misconceived notion stating Euthanasia as suicide. To clarify i wish to reinstate that Euthanasia is an off-shoot of the notion "Dying with Dignity". It is exercised to terminally ill patients or individuals suffering from deep bouts of suffering and pain. This is often done with the consent of the patient or the immediate family members (in case of inactive patients).
The history of Euthanasia dates back to 400 B.C where by the Greek physician Hippocrates stated in his speech "I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel". It was widely considered as a punishable offense under the law and the person allegedly involved in this act were seen as as against the public policy. However over the years, many countries have come forward to establishing ground rules for allowing euthanasia in accordance human rights councils. Things started looking up in the late 20th century when England and fellow countries legalized Euthanasia in certain cases of extremities.
In India however the debate started in the late 19th century following the case of Aruna Shanbaug leading to a historic judgement by the supreme court favoring passive Euthanasia. A detailed view of the case can be obtained from here. India now joins a handful of nations, including Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland, and the U.S. states of Oregon and Washington in allowing some form of euthanasia. India has no law on the issue, making the guidelines legally binding. As outlined, “Passive” euthanasia is allowed in exceptional cases after a review by medical experts and approval of the high court. While Active euthanasia, in which a patient is given life-ending drugs or other lethal intervention, is not allowed. This is the first time in India when Supreme Court allowed any kind of euthanasia.
The history of Euthanasia dates back to 400 B.C where by the Greek physician Hippocrates stated in his speech "I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel". It was widely considered as a punishable offense under the law and the person allegedly involved in this act were seen as as against the public policy. However over the years, many countries have come forward to establishing ground rules for allowing euthanasia in accordance human rights councils. Things started looking up in the late 20th century when England and fellow countries legalized Euthanasia in certain cases of extremities.
In India however the debate started in the late 19th century following the case of Aruna Shanbaug leading to a historic judgement by the supreme court favoring passive Euthanasia. A detailed view of the case can be obtained from here. India now joins a handful of nations, including Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland, and the U.S. states of Oregon and Washington in allowing some form of euthanasia. India has no law on the issue, making the guidelines legally binding. As outlined, “Passive” euthanasia is allowed in exceptional cases after a review by medical experts and approval of the high court. While Active euthanasia, in which a patient is given life-ending drugs or other lethal intervention, is not allowed. This is the first time in India when Supreme Court allowed any kind of euthanasia.