Legalization of Euthanasia

Euthanasia is one of the most prevailing issues that has been a subject of intense debate. Euthanasia has been an issue in human rights discourse because it affects both ethical and legal issues concerning both patients and health care providers. Patients who are suffering from terminal diseases face pain because it gradually worsens until it takes the life of the individual. So, the main question arises whether an individual suffering from a severe disease should be given assistance in killing themselves or they should be left to suffer the pain and die a natural death. This question was answered in the Aruna Shanbaug case where the judgement made it clear that passive euthanasia will only be allowed when the individual is in the persistent vegetative state or terminally ill. Euthanasia is a controversial issue because it involves the termination of human life. This paper deals with the concept of Euthanasia, its history, types and the legal status in India followed by the case of Aruna Shanbaug. This judgement broadens the concept of euthanasia and has paved the way for medico-legal challenges in the area of health and life.