Mangaluru: A recent Supreme Court order permitting passive euthanasia for a 32 year old man who has remained in a coma for more than 12 years has renewed discussion about end of life decisions in India.
Dr. Haroon Husain, a physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at KMC Mangaluru, explained the ethical and legal framework governing such cases. He said medical decisions in these situations follow three ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence and non maleficence. Autonomy refers to a patient’s right to decide about medical care. Beneficence requires doctors to act in the patient’s best interest. Non maleficence focuses on avoiding harm. These principles connect closely with the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Dr. Haroon clarified that euthanasia remains illegal in India. However, passive euthanasia stands permitted under strict guidelines set by the Supreme Court. Doctors often consider such steps when a patient remains in a vegetative state with no meaningful brain activity or possibility of recovery. In these situations, medical teams assess the futility of continued treatment.
He said a living will offers the clearest method for individuals to record their wishes in advance. This document states the type of medical treatment a person would accept or refuse if they lose decision making ability.
If no living will exists, the patient’s family becomes involved in the decision. A primary medical board evaluates the patient and issues an opinion within 48 hours. A secondary board then reviews the case independently. Authorities inform a Judicial Magistrate after the medical review. The process usually concludes within four to five days.
