India adopts guidelines for dignified death of terminally ill patients
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Health policy & public health· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The State government approved guidelines for withdrawing life support from terminally ill patients to ensure a dignified death, following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Background
The guidelines mandate the use of Advance Medical Directives for patients who may lose decision-making capacity. They also require the formation of medical boards to review cases and obtain consent from nominated guardians before life support withdrawal.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillAdvance Medical Directive: A legal document where a patient specifies medical preferences for future incapacity.
- BodyMedical Boards: Bodies mandated to review and provide oversight for the withdrawal of life support.
- FactSupreme Court ruling on passive euthanasia and dignified death was issued in 2018.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ethical and legal implications of 'passive euthanasia' in India, focusing on the balance between the right to life and the right to a dignified death.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ethical dilemma: Balancing the sanctity of life against the patient's autonomy to refuse invasive treatment.
- Procedural safeguards: Ensuring medical boards prevent arbitrary withdrawal of support through standardized review protocols.
- Legal clarity: Reducing clinical ambiguity for healthcare providers regarding the transition from active to passive care.
Keywords: Right to Dignity · Patient Autonomy · Passive Euthanasia · Advance Medical Directive · Medical Ethics
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