India's Supreme Court on Monday ruled that in rare cases, a terminally ill patient can be removed from life support, allowing what is being called “passive euthanasia.”
At the same time, the court ruled that so-called “active euthanasia” is illegal, rejecting a plea to end the life of a former nurse who was brutally raped in 1973 and has been in a vegetative state ever since. The assault against Aruna Shanbaug resulted in severe brain damage and paralysis, but the court argued that a vegetative state is different from a coma, because it means she is “clinically” awake.
The euthanasia petition was filed on Shanbaug's behalf by journalist Pinki Virani, who has contended that keeping her alive violates her right to live with dignity. But the court said the journalist could not make the demand on Shanbaug's behalf.
In a report to the court, doctors said Shanbaug responds using facial expressions. She is fed twice daily by nurses.
India's Law Minister Veerappa Moily said after the verdict that a serious debate is needed on the wider issue of euthanasia. He said there are no easy answers.
Monday's ruling is likely to spark a fresh debate on the subject. There are concerns euthanasia could be misused if legalized.
Posted in South Asia
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