Euthanasia Flashcards
What does the term ‘euthanasia’ literally mean?
Good death
Derived from the Greek words ‘eu’ (good) and ‘thanotos’ (death).
What is euthanasia ( medical ) ?
Infliction of a painless death for someone suffering from severe, incurable pain or disease
Also known as mercy killing or physician-assisted suicide.
What significant legal judgment was made by the Supreme Court of India on 7th March 2011 regarding euthanasia?
Permitted passive euthanasia and laid down guidelines
This was in the case of Aruna Shanbaug versus Union of India.
What was the outcome of the Supreme Court’s ruling on 9th March 2018?
Set aside the previous judgment and issued new guidelines for advance medical directives and passive euthanasia
This was in the case of Common Cause (A registered society) versus Union of India.
What are the two types of voluntary euthanasia?
- Voluntary: Consent given by the dying person
- Non-voluntary: Dying person unable to give or refuse consent due to unconsciousness or coma.
What is an advance medical directive (AMD)?
A legal document explaining one’s wishes about medical treatment if unable to communicate
Also referred to as advance directives or living will.
Who can execute an advance medical directive?
- An adult of sound mind
- Voluntarily prepared without coercion
- Full knowledge of their disease
- Must be in writing.
What should an advance medical directive contain?
Clear statements about when to withdraw medical treatment
Should specify conditions for withholding treatments that prolong suffering.
What is the legal status of active euthanasia in India?
Illegal and a crime under section 302 or section 304 of IPC
Physician-assisted suicide is also a crime under section 306 IPC.
What is the role of the Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JMFC) in the execution of an advance medical directive?
Countersigns the document and preserves a copy in digital format
Ensures the document was executed voluntarily.
What happens if multiple valid advance medical directives exist?
The most recently signed document will be considered the last expression of the patient’s wishes.
Who should the JMFC inform about the execution of the advance medical directive?
Immediate family members of the executor.
What are the types of euthanasia classified?
- Voluntary
- Non-voluntary
- Compulsory
- Active
- Passive
- Pediatric
- Geriatric.
Fill in the blank: Euthanasia is also known as _______.
Mercy killing.
True or False: Passive euthanasia is legalized in India.
True.
