Abstract

“LEGAL ASPECTS OF EUTHANASIA”- A REVIEW

Chinmay Bhalchandra Tendulkar* and Arati Abhay Shinde

Abstract

In our society, controversial issue-euthanasia or “mercy –killing” of terminally ill patients has been arisen. Proponents of physician-assisted suicide (PAS) feel that an individual's right to autonomy automatically entitles him to choose a painless death. The opponents feel that a physician's role in the death of an individual violates the central tenet of the medical profession. Moreover, undiagnosed depression and possibility of social „coercion‟ in people asking for euthanasia put a further question mark on the ethical principles underlying such an act. These concerns have led to strict guidelines for implementing PAS. Assessment of the mental state of the person consenting to PAS becomes mandatory. It became the sensitive issue in front of the Indian legislature.

Keywords: Euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, palliative care.