U.K. Legalizes Assisted Dying
On November 29, the U.K. House of Commons voted to legalize assisted dying, marking a significant shift in public policy on a controversial issue.
Supporters see it as compassionate for terminally ill patients who want to end their suffering.
Opponents, including religious groups, are concerned it may pressure vulnerable people into ending their lives.
Current Law in the U.K.
Suicide and attempted suicide are not criminal offenses.
Assisting someone in committing suicide is a criminal offense, carrying up to 14 years in prison under the 1961 Suicide Act.
Proposed Law (Assisted Dying Bill)
The new Bill seeks to allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to request assisted death.
Requests must be approved by two doctors and a High Court judge before proceeding.
Petitioners’ Arguments
Severely disabled individuals have argued that the 1961 law violates their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
They claim the right to self-determination, relief from suffering, and the right to end their lives with assistance.
Court Rulings in the U.K.
The House of Lords rejected the petitioners’ claims in 2002.
In 2014, the Supreme Court acknowledged that the law conflicted with the rights of incurably suffering individuals but stated that Parliament must amend the law.
The European Court of Human Rights (2015) ruled that it is up to the U.K. government and Parliament to address the issue.
India's Legal Position
The Supreme Court of India (2018) recognized the "right to die with dignity" under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The court legalized passive euthanasia, allowing terminally ill patients to refuse life support.
In 2023, the guidelines for passive euthanasia were simplified, and the Health Ministry released draft guidelines for withdrawing life support in cases of terminal illness.
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