Current Scenario of Euthanasia in India

Pardeep Singh; Avtar Singh Gill; Vikram Lakhanpal; Pankaj Gupta; Vinod Kumar

Pardeep Singh Professor, Deptt of Forensic Medicine, Pt J.L.N. Govt. Medical College, Chamba, H.P. India
Avtar Singh Gill Associate Professor, Deptt of General Surgery, Pt J.L.N. Govt. Medical College, Chamba, H.P. India
Vikram Lakhanpal Assistant Professor, Deptt of General Surgery, Pt J.L.N. Govt. Medical College, Chamba, H.P., India
Pankaj Gupta Professor, Deptt of General Medicine, Pt J.L.N. Govt. Medical College, Chamba, H.P. India
Vinod Kumar Tutor, Deptt of Forensic Medicine, Pt J.L.N. Govt. Medical College, Chamba, H.P. India

Keywords: Euthanasia; current scenario; Passive euthanasia.

Abstract

Euthanasia is a recently talked topic now a days in India. Few societies like Jainism etc. practicing santhara/ salekhana/ ichhamaran as of now embodied in passive euthanasia permitted by Supreme Court of India on 3 rd March, 2018 to a person who is above the age of 18 years. Various types of euthanasia are there but only Passive euthanasia will be permitted as per law to terminally ill patients who give advance medical directives to treating doctor to end his life in a dignified manner. Advance medical directions given by the patient should clearly mention under which circumstances passive euthanasia (removing life support from patient but palliative care may be continued) should be administered by following legal formalities.