Reforming India's Passive Euthanasia Framework
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Fundamental Rights - Article 21, Judiciary - Landmark Judgments, Article 142); Health and Social Issues.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity, Governance, Social Justice): Indian Constitution—significant provisions and basic structure; Fundamental Rights; Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics): Ethics and Human Interface; Ethical concerns and dilemmas. Euthanasia (Dignity in Dying) is a classic topic for both GS2 and GS4.
Key Highlights from the News
Passive Euthanasia is legally recognized in India, but its complex procedures make practical implementation difficult.
The article argues that while countries like the UK are trying to legalize Active Euthanasia (doctor-assisted death), it is not suitable for India's social context and is prone to misuse.
Therefore, instead of moving towards Active Euthanasia, India should focus on simplifying and streamlining the existing Passive Euthanasia laws.
Key Reform Proposals:
Establish a national digital portal, linked with Aadhaar, to register Advance Directives ('Living Wills').
Empower Hospital Ethics Committees to expedite decisions.
Ensure counseling and palliative care to prevent misuse.
The Supreme Court has already ruled that the right to die with dignity is part of Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution.
To truly make this right accessible to common people, the current laws need to be made practical.
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