The Supreme Court of India passed an order that allows passive euthanasia in the country. Through the decision, the court has acknowledged the “living will” made by the terminally-ill patients who may go into a permanent vegetative state.  Read about Supreme Court's move to legalise passive euthanasia in India. The apex court has also laid down the rules, explaining who should execute the will and how the request for euthanasia can be granted. Although, euthanasia is a fairly common word, most readers may be more familiar with the term “mercy killing.” It means, letting a patient, who is suffering from an incurable or terminal condition, to die with dignity, relieving themselves from the pain and suffering caused by their medical condition. The case Indians associate most with euthanasia is that of Aruna Shanbaugh, who spent 42 years in a vegetative state. Journalist Pinki Virani had fought for her right to die with dignity, which was ultimately denied by the Supreme Court.

The word euthanasia is a blanket term that includes different types of mercy killing methods. These include voluntary-involuntary; and active-passive, of which the Supreme court has given nod to the former. Apart from this, there is also assisted suicide.

What is Passive Euthanasia?

Passive euthanasia does not involve doing anything directly to end the life of the patient, like poisoning or overdosing the patient. Instead, death happens by an act of omission. The doctors or the caregivers stopping the treatment, allowing the patient to die on his or her own. Apart from that, passive euthanasia is also caused by switching off respirators, withholding surgeries and discontinuing food or water. Sometimes, a large dose of morphine is administered to the patient so that they don’t experience the pain caused by some methods of passive euthanasia. In short, passive euthanasia is causing the death of the patient through indirect means.

What is Active Euthanasia?

In stark contrast to passive euthanasia is active euthanasia. In this type of euthanasia, some direct methods are employed to cause the death of the patient. The Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary describes active euthanasia as “a mode of ending life in which the intent is to cause the patient's death in a single act.” It could be performed by a close family member, by poisoning the patient with a lethal injection or giving him or her an overdose of painkillers.

What is Voluntary Euthanasia?

Voluntary euthanasia is when the patient himself or herself requests for mercy killing. It’s commonly seen in terminal patients who are mentally conscious. In this method, the patient consents to and is completely aware that steps are being taken to cause his or her death. In countries like Belgium, Colombia, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Netherlands, the practice is legalised.

What is Involuntary Euthanasia?

As opposed to voluntary euthanasia, involuntary euthanasia is done when a patient’s life is taken without his or her knowledge or consent. Involuntary euthanasia is a controversial method and sometimes, the patient may have the will to live and may also be against it. But in modern medical practice, involuntary euthanasia is performed on individuals that are brain dead or is not able to communicate.

What is Assisted Suicide?

In assisted suicide or physician assisted suicide, second and third parties may not be directly involved in causing the patient’s death. But the doctor can provide the patient with the necessary know-how about painless killing methods, lethal dosages of drugs, advice and support the patient needs, etc. The doctor may not carry out the act directly, but will give the patient all the support and knowledge they need to die with dignity.

The topic of euthanasia polarises most debates, in which both supporters and critics argue on what’s considered moral or ethical. Most nations have still not warmed up to the India of mercy killing, which is a legal and social dilemma as it is moral.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 09, 2018 12:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).