Euthanasia

Abstract

Background: Euthanasia requests have increased as the number of debilitated patients rises in both developed and developing countries such as India due to medical, psychosocial–emotional, socioenvironmental, and existential issues amid fears of potential misuse. World’s position: Albania, Colombia, the Netherlands, and Switzerland permit euthanasia conditionally. Australia’s legalization of euthanasia has been withdrawn. The United States permits withdrawal of life support. Mexico and Norway permit active euthanasia. India’s position: Following the Aruna Shanbaug case the Supreme Court granted legal sanction to passive, but not active, euthanasia that is valid till the Parliament legislates on euthanasia. Handling euthanasia requests: Acknowledging the complexity of the problem; individualizing the palliative approach; and accepting the ‘There is no alternative’ or ‘There is no answer’ (TINA) factor.