Euthanasia A compassionate choice at Life s crossroads 

Human cycle of karma and overseen by a higher power. Life naturally flows through moments of joy and sorrow, eventually leading to old age, illness, and death. However, for those suffering from incurable conditions, the idea of ending their pain through euthanasia or practices like Ichcha-Mrityu, Samadhi, Santhara, or Sallekhana (as in Jainism) often arises. The need for euthanasia stems from profound suffering caused by prolonged illness, particularly in old age, when life becomes an unending burden and death feels like a blessing Personal experiences reveal that while peaceful deaths are rare, countless loved ones endure prolonged agony, underscoring the necessity of a compassionate framework for a dignified exit Fundamental rights of life and liberty are incomplete without the right to an honorable end. Denying individuals this autonomy undermines their dignity and reduces the "right to die" to a "sentence to life," forcing relentless suffering without recourse. Balancing Pain and Compassion Euthanasia, also known as "mercy killing" or "assisted dying," is the act of ending a life to relieve unbearable pain. It raises difficult questions about compassion, personal choice, and the value of life, challenging our beliefs about how life and death should be approached The Two Sides of Modern Healthcare Medical advances have extended lifespans but also introduced challenges, such as managing long-term illnesses and dependency age. Families often face emotional and financial stress, prompting the question: Should people have the right to choose a dignified end to their suffering? 44 Cultural Wisdom and Age-Old Practices In India, traditions like Santana in Jainism demonstrate how death can be seen as a peaceful transition. Unlike suicide, which stems from despair, Santhara is a thoughtful act of letting go rooted in spiritual beliefs. However, modem laws often equate such practices with suicide, creating tension between ancient wisdom and today's legal systems. For those who follow karmic beliefs life's ups and downs are part of settling past actions. Ending life prematurely might seem like disrupting this natural procesas "Punarapi jananma, punarapi maranam, Punarapi janani jatare sayanam..." (Birth leads to death, and death to birth again, until liberation is attained.) If suffering is terminated prematurely, another life might be needed to complete and disband unresolved karmic debts. The enigmatic, unfathomable, and inscrutable law of Karma cannot be swiped away or escaped through euthanasia. Yet for others particularly non-believers in karma or those who view life as finite and ending with death, the focus remains on relieving pain and suffering-not only for the patient but also for their caregivers-when recovery is impossible. Learning from Other Countries In countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, the UK, and parts of the US, euthanasia is allowed under strict rules, ensuring decisions are made with care, understanding, and medical supervision. India, passive euthanasia-where life bop oftentavithdrawn in specific cases-is legal too long to practical. Quicker and more accessible processes are essential for those in need.

DISCLAIMER: 

The views expressed in the Article above are P.K. Mam views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy:  P.K. Mam and Koshur Samachar-2025, February