Euthanasia should be called as false mercy'

Mangalore, March 24: The appeal for euthanasia for Aruna Shanbagh, a rape victim suffering for the past 37 years has put Indians in a dilemma of choosing death over life. When Aruna's case has pumped the country to take stands, Shubhada Society and Bethany Social Service Trust, Mangalore, took a step further by organising a 'Symposium on Euthanasia,' enabling the city to voice their opinions at Sahodaya Bethany Seva Kendra on Wednesday.

Speaking at the symposium, Roshni Nilaya College of Social Work Professor Rita Noronha said that euthanasia is not limited to living or dying but has several dimensions attached to it such as human, social, legal, relationship and financial. “Euthanasia is a complex subject. Humanising living and dying are the two important aspects today,” she added.

“Euthanasia means a happy death. Referring to any patient as 'vegetable' or 'cabbage' is wrong,” said Kasturba Medical College Professor Dr Prabha Adhikari in her keynote address.

Explaining the concept of euthanasia, she said that active euthanasia is not allowed in our country, where a person is put to death because he cannot bear the pain or if he asks for death.

However, passive euthanasia which involves withdrawing life support and allowing the patient to have a natural death is allowed with the permission of the family only if the patient is certified to have no hope for cure, she said. Euthanasia has been allowed in other countries but in India having this law implemented can give chance to its misuse, said Dr Prabha.

“Today we live in a non-empathetic society and people have become prone to violence. Constitution guarantees the right to life but does not allow one to end his life. Euthanasia should be called as a false mercy,” said St Raymond's High School Graduate Assistant Richard Alvares.

“We cannot claim death, only death can claim us. When life is afflicted with illness, its time to provide care,” said Fr Muller Medical College Nursing Superintendent Sr Aileen.