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Living wills vis a vis right to die

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Review Article

Author Details : Navneet Ray, Jamim Apsarin, Hardik Kumar Meher, O. Gambhir Singh*

Volume : 9, Issue : 3, Year : 2024

Article Page : 91-96

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijfmts.2024.019

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Abstract

The word “Euthanasia” relates to two different words from the Greek language “Eu" which indicates "good" and "Thanatosis" which indicates "death”, suggesting a “satisfactory Death” or “easy and painless Death” The phrase “mercy killing” has become associated with this meaning. It comprises inflicting painless death on a person suffering from an incurable and dreadful illness. It’s the practice of terminating a person’s life by administering a lethal injection or ceasing medical treatment. Informed and shared decision?making between the patient and the health professional caring for him or her is crucial for the quality of care and its outcomes. Living wills are nothing more than a tangible representation of this truth. As a result of their legal approval, patients’ autonomy has been recognized. However, there are some differences in the regulations that have been adopted, and the health practice linked with these documents raises a number of practical and ethical questions that should be considered.Living-will is a written statement depicting individuals’ directions regarding future medical treatment in situations in which they are no longer able to express informed consent. Based on the secondary literature and substantiated with empirical findings, it carves out the need for death preparedness in general and endorsing living-will in particular. The paper covers the prevailing legislations and legal measures permitting passive euthanasia in different countries including India. It further entails all the essential requisites for writing a ‘living-will’ incorporating all the procedures and steps needed to be followed. A thorough assessment of the current accessible literature on living will has been conducted, just to focus on the knowledge of euthanasia in detail. Most importantly, the social impact of the concept of euthanasia needs to be understood by the society. Moreover, it must be considered that euthanasia is different from suicide. Few communities may show the interference of their religion with euthanasia. So it is essential to enlighten the idea of euthanasia in legal ways for different countries.

Keywords: Living­will, Euthanasia, Persistent vegetative state, Patients' rights, Medical ethics

How to cite : Ray N, Apsarin J, Meher H K, Singh O G, Living wills vis a vis right to die. IP Int J Forensic Med Toxicol Sci 2024;9(3):91-96

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