CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The discourse on assisted dying has gained renewed attention following the passing of esteemed psychologist and Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman in March 2024. Kahneman opted for assisted suicide at a facility in Switzerland, sparking fresh discussions on the moral and ethical implications of the practice. The subject remains deeply divisive, with strong arguments both in support of and against it.
Understanding Assisted Dying
Assisted dying involves providing medical assistance to terminally ill individuals who choose to end their lives to relieve suffering. This practice is legal in a few nations, including Switzerland, where strict regulations govern the process. The primary reasons individuals seek assisted dying include unbearable pain, loss of dignity, and the desire for control over their final moments. The debate raises critical ethical concerns, balancing personal autonomy against societal responsibilities.
Public Perspectives On Assisted Dying
Opinions on assisted dying are varied across societies. A recent Gallup survey revealed that 66% of Americans favor the legalisation of doctor-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. However, 40% still consider it morally unacceptable. This divergence highlights fundamental differences in societal values, shaped by cultural, religious, and philosophical beliefs about life and death.
Ethical Considerations
The ethical debate surrounding assisted dying is complex. Advocates argue that individuals should have the right to make decisions about their own lives, especially in cases of terminal illness and unbearable suffering. They emphasize the importance of compassion and dignity in end-of-life care. On the other hand, opponents cite moral and religious objections, asserting that life should not be prematurely ended and that medical advancements might offer unforeseen recovery options. There are also concerns about potential external pressures from families or the broader healthcare system, as well as the impact on palliative care services.
Legal Landscape Across World
While assisted dying remains illegal in many countries, some European nations have legalised it under strict regulations. In the UK, a bill proposing the legalisation of assisted dying was debated in November 2024 and is still undergoing legislative review, highlighting the ongoing complexity of the issue.
Assisted Dying In India
India does not legally permit active euthanasia or assisted dying. However, passive euthanasia was legalised in 2018 through a Supreme Court ruling, recognising it as part of an individual’s "living will." The ruling is linked to Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
Key Aspects Of India's Stance On Euthanasia Include
Legal Recognition of Passive Euthanasia (2018): The Supreme Court ruled that patients in a permanent vegetative state could choose to withdraw life support.
Living Will Provisions: The court provided guidelines for individuals to create a living will, outlining their medical preferences in case of terminal illness.
Right to Refuse Treatment: A mentally competent adult has the legal right to refuse medical treatment, allowing for a natural end under specific conditions.
The discussion on assisted dying remains a highly sensitive and evolving issue worldwide. While some countries are moving toward legalisation under regulated conditions, others continue to oppose it on ethical and moral grounds. In India, the legalisation of passive euthanasia has provided a limited right to die with dignity, but the broader debate on assisted dying continues to be shaped by legal, ethical, and societal perspectives.
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