| PYQ Relevance: [2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution. (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV. (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III. (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution. |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Right to Life and Personal Liberty’ (in 2018), and ‘scope of Fundamental Rights’ (in 2017).
In the UK parliament, Ms Leadbeater shared a harrowing case of a music teacher’s agonizing death from bile duct cancer to highlight the suffering faced by terminally ill patients during the presentation of the bill. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25, allows terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to seek physician-assisted dying.
Today’s editorial highlights the possible impacts of Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
While presenting the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 (The Assisted Dying Law) to the British House of Commons, Member of Parliament Kim Leadbeater shared a harrowing account of an “agonising death.”
What are the ethical implications of legalising assisted dying?
- Autonomy and Personal Choice: It emphasizes the right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and lives, particularly in the context of terminal illness. Advocates argue that respecting personal autonomy is fundamental to human dignity.
- Slippery Slope Concern: Critics warn that legalizing assisted dying could lead to broader interpretations of who qualifies for assistance, potentially endangering vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled, who might feel pressured to choose death over being a burden.
- Moral Conflict: The issue creates a moral dilemma between the sanctity of life and compassion for those suffering unbearable pain. Opponents often cite religious or philosophical beliefs that uphold the inviolability of life, while proponents argue for compassion and relief from suffering.
How do current legislative proposals address concerns about patient safety and coercion?
Current legislative proposals, such as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25, incorporate several measures aimed at addressing concerns about patient safety and coercion:
- Strict Eligibility Criteria: The law only permits assisted dying for terminally ill adults with a prognosis of less than six months to live, ensuring that only those facing imminent death can seek assistance.
- Independent Assessments: Requests for assisted dying must be signed off by two independent doctors, which helps safeguard against coercion and ensures that patients are making informed decisions.
- Reflection Period: A mandatory 14-day reflection period allows individuals to reconsider their decision, further protecting against impulsive choices made under distress.
- Judicial Oversight: Final approval from a High Court judge is required before any assisted dying can occur, adding layer of scrutiny to prevent misuse.
What is the public sentiment regarding assisted dying, and how does it influence policy?
Public sentiment regarding assisted dying is increasingly supportive, influencing policy discussions in several ways:
- Growing Acceptance: Surveys indicate a rising acceptance of assisted dying among the public, particularly in cases involving terminal illness. This shift reflects changing attitudes towards end-of-life choices and personal autonomy.
- Impact on Lawmakers: As public opinion evolves, lawmakers may feel compelled to act by constituents’ views, leading to legislative proposals like the recent Bill. The release from party whips during voting indicates an acknowledgement of the issue’s complexity and the need for individual conscience in decision-making.
- Influence of Personal Stories: Personal narratives shared by advocates, such as Kim Leadbeater’s account of a music teacher’s agonising death, resonate with the public and lawmakers alike, highlighting the real-life implications of assisted dying laws. These stories can sway opinions and catalyze legislative action.
Way forward:
- Promote Palliative Care and Awareness: Simultaneously invest in accessible and quality palliative care services to provide comprehensive support for terminally ill patients, while fostering public awareness about end-of-life options to ensure informed and compassionate decision-making.
- Strengthen Safeguards and Monitoring: Implement robust mechanisms to prevent misuse, including regular audits, transparent reporting, and enhanced judicial and medical oversight, ensuring the law remains strictly within its intended scope.
