In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court of India will allow passive euthanasia with strict guidelines. The Apex Court stated the guidelines would remain effective till the law is put in place. The Court explained the decision to take one’s life with dignity is a Fundamental Right.
A living will is a document a person writes in their normal state of mind. The document will give specific guidelines for their medical treatment in case of suffering from a terminal illness. The person can decide the course of action in case they reach an irreversible vegetable state.
A Constitutional Bench with five Supreme Court judges announced this historic verdict. The ‘living will’ can be submitted to the medical board who will make the final call after analyzing the patient’s condition.
An NGO called Common Cause asked the Apex Court for directions on what makes a living will valid. The NGO further argued a ‘living will’ should be permitted in cases where the medical expert has said the patient is at a point of no return. Every human must have the right to stop their unending suffering.
The petition by the NGO was heard by the five member bench more than a year ago. In 2011, the Supreme Court decided to allow euthanasia for a patient. But the Court eventually overturned the decision.
