Fundamental Rights: The Assisted Dying Debate

GS II- Polity

Context:

The assisted suicide of Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman in 2024 in Switzerland has rekindled global ethical discussions on the issue of assisted dying.

Daniel Kahneman’s Contributions

• Influence on Behavioral Economics: Integrated psychology into economic theories, transforming decision-making analysis.
• Key Theoretical Contributions:
  • Loss Aversion: Individuals tend to prefer smaller, certain gains over larger, riskier outcomes.
  • Peak-End Rule: People assess past experiences based on their most intense moment and final impression.
• Notable Work: Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011) explores human biases and flawed judgment.

Understanding Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide

• Euthanasia: A medical practitioner directly administers a lethal substance to end a patient’s life, typically through injection.
• Assisted Suicide: The patient self-administers a prescribed lethal drug with medical supervision but without direct intervention.
• Distinction: These differ from practices like withholding life-sustaining treatment (passive euthanasia) or “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) orders, which are legally recognized in some jurisdictions.

The Assisted Dying Debate

Arguments in Favor

• Right to Die with Dignity: Allows individuals to end suffering in a humane manner.
• Prevents Unnecessary Medical Intervention: Avoids futile treatments that provide no hope of recovery.
• Eases Financial Burden: Reduces the economic strain on families due to prolonged medical care.
• Potential for Organ Donation: Provides an opportunity to save other lives.
• Autonomy & Personal Choice: Respects individual freedom over life and death decisions.

Arguments Against

• Risk of Misuse: Concerns over coercion, involuntary euthanasia, or prioritizing death over healthcare improvements.
• Slippery Slope Concern: Legalizing euthanasia may pave the way for unethical practices or societal pressure on vulnerable groups.
• Ethical & Religious Opposition: Many belief systems consider taking one’s own life morally unacceptable.
• Weakens Palliative Care Incentives: May reduce efforts to enhance pain management and end-of-life care.
• Conflict with Medical Ethics:
  • The World Medical Association (WMA) opposes euthanasia, stating it contradicts core medical principles.
  • The Indian Medical Association (IMA) highlights potential legal risks for doctors even when guidelines are followed.

Broader Implications

• Ethical & Medical Dilemmas: Raises questions about the intersection of compassion, legality, and societal values.
• Philosophical Considerations: Challenges traditional notions of personal autonomy, dignity, and the right to die.

Global Legal Landscape on Assisted Dying

• Europe: Legal under strict regulations in Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
• United States & United Kingdom: Debates continue, with the UK proposing a 2024 bill that remains under review.
• India:
  • The Supreme Court upheld the right to die with dignity under Article 21 in the landmark Aruna Shanbaug case.
  • Passive euthanasia is legally recognized under strict guidelines.