Euthanasia: is it really a bad idea?

Abstract

‘Euthanasia’ or ‘mercy killing’ is a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, to relieve intractable suffering. The debate in favor of or against it is nothing new, but emanates from the days of Socrates, Plato and Hippocrates. Medical advances in the vital organ function support and treatments during later part of the twentieth century, and organ harvesting for transplantation have added newer dimension to this subject; whereas, religious teachings may not favor individual wishes. Financial and social cost of sustaining life of a incurable patient may force us to take unpopular decisions. The debate about euthanasia continues and is likely to continue for the times to come.