By Ramyalakshmi K G
Death is inevitable and like birth, it is a secret of nature. Two moments in life that cannot be predicted or postponed are birth and death. But in modern era, with advancements in science and technology, these moments have become predictable and modifiable. In short, we have manipulated Mother Nature herself and flawed her laws. What have we got as a result? Nothing but having been landed in a state of chaos and confusions.
One such chaotic topic which faces a constant debate over adoption and rejection is EUTHANASIA. Euthanasia literally means – good death. As simple as the word may sound, the implication of the word bears a heavy impact on the society-both physically and spiritually. To put in simple terms, euthanasia means intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. It is definitely a double edged sword for the treating doctor as well as the patient.
History of euthanasia dates back to 17th century when Francois Bacon mentioned about it in a medical text. Michael Wreen has quoted that euthanasia holds good only if the motive is good. Draper had laid down four criteria for euthanasia- agent, subject, intention and causal proximity. Jack Kevorkian, famously known as Dr. Death, has said, “ Patient’s autonomy always should be respected, even if it is absolutely contrary to the best medical advice and what the physician wants.” On the contrary, Father of medicine, Hippocrates has stood against euthanasia. As doctors , we all are obliged to stick on to the Hippocratic oath in which it is said- “ I will not prescribe a deadly drug to please someone, nor give advice that may cause his death”
There have been a number of cases all over the world which have put the concept of euthanasia to test. Tony nicklison, a man who suffered from locked in syndrome, Chantal Sebier with esthesioneuroblastoma, Ramon Sampedro who described himself as a live head stuck to a dead body, Aruna shanbaug, an Indian nurse all have brought out the brighter and positive side of euthanasia. But, it has its own blemish, like Frank Van Den Bleeken, a rapist and murderer who pleaded death in place of his psychological suffering in jail.
In a medical point of view, status of euthanasia still remains obscured. Some points which bends the argument in favour of performing euthanasia are that, it alleviates the unbearable sufferings of the patient and the mental agony of the relatives, gives respect to personal autonomy, reduces the economic burden of relatives ,channelizes the resources of hospitals in more productive way and the concept of organ donation euthanasia. To maintain the balance of argument, there comes issues like improved palliative care instead of euthanasia, danger of emergence of involuntary euthanasia if voluntary type is freed of its bars, restriction of the autonomy of doctors in the care of his patient, to counteract the positive aspects.
Science and religion are not at odds, science is simply too young to understand. Now let’s have a quick glance at what religion has to say. Almost all the religious texts and practices are against euthanasia since they consider dying as an occasion for getting powerful spiritual insights as well as preparing for whatever afterlife may be to come. They quote various reasons such as it is forbidden by god, human life is sacred, shortening of life interferes with the working out of the laws that govern karma and so interferes with a human being’s journey to liberation and principle of ahimsa is to be followed wherever possible. But ancient Tamilians have followed a ritual called thalaikoothal, a form of senicide to alleviate the sufferings of aged people.
Having discussed the merits and demerits of euthanasia in general, let’s see how it feels to put ourselves in the shoes of the doctor. Truly successful decision making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking and the art of decision making is of utmost importance for a doctor. If we consider that the aim of the doctor should be to save his patient’s life no matter what it takes, then it is mandatory to drive the thought of euthanasia out of his mind. Paradoxically, the ultimate motive of treating a disease is to add life to years and not just more years to life. To save a man’s life against his will is the same as killing him. In this regard, the doctor has to adopt euthanasia to fulfil his patient’s last and only wish.
Profession of a doctor is always a noble one. We save innumerable lives everyday, give moral support to thousands of people, stand as an inspiration to many yet we die inside each day for some sense of unsaid little guilt, things we could have done, decisions we could have changed and few lives that could have been saved. As a doctor, we feel the bodily pain and suffering of the patient and may dare to give a green signal to euthanasia but still , as a human, we feel the emotional bonding of the patient and the power of the unknown mystic forces to change the course of illness and dare not to kill someone out of mercy.
“The aim of medicine is to prevent disease and prolong life but the ideal of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician.” Let us hope for a future where medicine finds a way to eliminate the root cause of euthanasia, that is to terminate the fear of terminal illness.
By Ramyalakshmi K G
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