'India not mature enough to handle it'

Legalising passive euthanasia will open 'Pandora's Box' and it will be misused since there is no mechanism to control the process, says noted cardiologist

Legalising passive euthanasia will open 'Pandora's Box' and it will be misused since there is no mechanism to control the process, says noted cardiologist

All eyes are on India after the Supreme Court made a recommendation to lay down a set of guidelines, under which passive euthanasia can be legalised through a High Court monitored mechanism. The Supreme Court, on Monday, dismissed the euthanasia plea for Aruna Shanbaug, a comatose patient being nursed in a Mumbai hospital for the past 37 years. However, it allowed the right to a dignified death by passive euthanasia.


Exterminate: Dr Devi Shetty explained that passive euthanasia is when
one is brain dead and the life support system is removed and feeding
of the patient is stopped. The body then dehydrates and the patient dies

MiD DAY spoke to Dr Devi Shetty, a noted cardiologist and chairman of Narayana Hrudaylaya -- a health care institute -- about thoughts on the SC ruling in the Shanbaug case and what lies in store for India if mercy killing is legalised.

"Personally I am dead against it. I am happy with the judgment in the Shanbaug case, but the moment you legalise it, you are opening a 'Pandora's Box'. It will be misused as there is no mechanism to control or monitor the process of euthanasia," said Dr Shetty.

Dr Shetty explained that passive euthanasia is when one is brain dead and the life support system is removed and feeding of the patient is stopped. The body then dehydrates and the patient dies. While active euthanasia is when an injection is administered to stop the heart.

However, Dr Shetty said that under no circumstances should euthanasia should legalised. "India is not mature enough to handle it. It will take another 20 to 30 years for us to be ready," said Dr Shetty. "It won't go through. Supreme Court has made a recommendation but is not a law yet. A committee will be formed in coordination with the medical council and health ministry."

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