Top India court allows passive euthanasia, but few aware of ‘living wills’
Summary
India’s Supreme Court has allowed passive euthanasia, meaning patients can refuse life-support treatment in certain cases. However, many people in India do not know about this option or about "living wills," which are documents that express a patient’s wishes about medical care.Key Facts
- India's Supreme Court recognized the right to die with dignity as part of the fundamental right to life in 2018.
- Passive euthanasia means stopping treatments that keep a patient alive when recovery is unlikely.
- Patients can document their wishes in "living wills" to guide decisions if they become unable to speak for themselves.
- India has about 1.56 million new cancer cases estimated in 2024.
- Between 7 to 10 million people in India need palliative care (care to ease pain without curing disease), but only about 4% receive it.
- Many families lack knowledge about palliative care and how to manage end-of-life decisions.
- Cultural attitudes in India often avoid talking about death, making planning difficult.
- Hospitals and legal systems are beginning to help patients and families understand their rights and options.
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