Euthanasia: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has provided a legal recognition to ‘passive euthanasia’ in March 2018. In May 2018, David Goodall, an Australian scientist ended his life through Physician Assisted Death in a Swiss clinic at the age of 104 for old age rather than terminal illness. These two events sparked a fresh debate regarding euthanasia and the proponents and opponents of euthanasia argued voraciously for and against it albeit the central theme remained same- ‘the dignity of human life’. This monograph elaborates on the philosophy and popular terminology of euthanasia. It also deliberates on the socio-cultural differences in the conceptualisation of euthanasia and an unbiased critique of the pros and cons of euthanasia with the intention to redress the balance. The monograph finally discusses the current scenario and future directions related to euthanasia.

Keywords

• letting die
• mercy killing
• physician-assisted suicide