Author(s): Ishita Arora

Abstract: This article explores medical, moral, social and human rights issues related to euthanasia and suicide of the terminally ill. Exploring legislative paths taken in the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, India, the U.S., and Japan for the right of entities and individuals to bring life to an end, or have it brought to an end- the authors reveal that what is "legal" cannot be isolated from culture. Ethically, the research also grapples with contradictions between autonomy and dignity on one hand, and alleviating suffering and disrespect for life on the other. Domestic cultural and religious practices in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism also affect policy results and public opinion. Key European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence and analyses of disability rights are used to look at human rights viewpoints. The article argues that although a universal model is improbable in light of pluralistic values, we urgently need legal models that are context sensitive with strong safeguard mechanisms. Future work should examine psychiatric populations, technological advances and non-Western settings that have received less attention.

DOI: 10.22271/2790-0673.2025.v5.i2f.265

Pages: 505-510 | Views: 154 | Downloads: 56

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