EUTHANASIA

INTRODUCTION
The concept of death is changing in the light of new knowledge. It may be obtained by redefining life. Descriptions of life are organised at many different levels of complexity - molecular, cellular, organ, system, corporal, mental, spiritual etc. Human life may be described as the ability, actual or potential to respond to others, or to be self-aware. This is based on cerebral function. Silverman and others in 1969 have established this by extensive studies and confirmed it by encephalogram findings. Once cerebral death is confirmed, there is no chance for survival though heart and lung functions continue. So it would be quite unnecessary to continue supportive measures after cerebral death.

WHAT IS EUTHANASIA ?
 Euthanasia refers to the practice of ending a life in a manner which relieves pain and suffering.  According to the House of Lords Select Committee on Medical Ethics, the precise definition of euthanasia is "a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, to relieve intractable suffering.

DEFINITION
The intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit.(The key word here is "intentional". If death is not intended, it is not an act of euthanasia)

CATEGORIZATION

Voluntary Euthanasia Euthanasia conducted with the consent of the patient is termed voluntary euthanasia. When the patient brings about his or her own death with the assistance of a physician, the term assisted suicide is often used instead

nonvoluntary Euthanasia
Euthanasia conducted where the consent of the patient is unavailable is termed nonvoluntary euthanasia. Example include child euthanasia.

Involuntary Euthanasia

Euthanasia conducted against the will of the patient is termed involuntary euthanasia.

Procedural decision

Voluntary, non-voluntary and involuntary euthanasia can all be further divided into : Passive Active

Passive Euthanasia

Passive euthanasia entails the withholding of common treatments, such as antibiotics, necessary for the continuance of life.

Active Euthanasia

Active euthanasia entails the use of lethal substances or forces to kill and is the most controversial means.

Physician sentiment
A survey in the United States of more than 10,000 physicians came to the result that approximately 16% of physicians would ever consider halting lifesustaining therapy because the family demands it, even if believed that it was premature. Approximately 55% would not, and for the remaining 29%, it would depend on circumstances. This study also stated that approx. 46% of physicians agree that physician-assisted suicide should be allowed in some cases; 41% do not, and the remaining 14% think it depends.

The first country to legalize euthanasia is Netherlands in April. Belgium became the second country to legalize euthanasia in September in the same year. Switzerland allows suicide assisted by doctors and those with medical training but euthanasia is not legal in the country. US state of Oregon enacted a law that allows physician assisted suicide in November 1994. The US government has tried to challenge this law but so far has not been successful.

In

which

countries is legalasied?

Euthanasia

Govt has no plans to legalise Euthanasia

Despite strong demands from different corners in favour of euthanasia, Union government on Monday said it had no plans to give legal status to what is popularly known as "mercy killing". Significantly, it slammed a full stop on future speculation, saying that it would not consider any such application. Minister of state for law and justice K Venkatapathy told RS, "Government is not considering to give legal status to euthanasia. Till date law has not permitted it and application for the same cannot be entertained."

What are the advantages of Euthanasia?

Disadvantage
Disadvantages may involve the "slippery slope" many ethicists feel may occur, thinking that voluntary euthanasia can devalue human life. Quality of life is not as significant a theme as is maintenance of a life. Many religious groups feel this may eventually lead to such a widespread value system in society that elderly individuals may be pressured against their will to utilize this option by those with a vested interest ( beneficiaries of life insurance policies, directors of health maintenance organizations, etc.).

Some practical steps 1.Doctors should serve and care for their patients in love. 2.Deliberate attempt to end or shorten life, whether by omission or commission, is wrong and should not be done. 3.Bring in the principle of love as the mainspring.

Some practical steps 3.Our society should proclaim the way of righteousness and truth and provide compassionate care. It must take a stand against taking innocent lives. 4.Medical personnel and the people at large must be educated in moral and spiritual values. These should lead to sound legislation.

Conclusion
Views, ideas, even concepts of ethics are fast changing in the context or the progress of science and technology. The traditional institutions in our society, which protect human life and spiritual values, are gradually being pushed aside or getting eliminated. Love is the foundation of ethics. Loving our God with all our heart, soul and mind and loving our neighbour as ourselves, are the two foundations for our ethical practice. Only a code of ethics based on sound principles can lead our society to lasting happiness,harmony and peace.

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