Radhika MundraDo You Support The Right To Die?
In a recent conversation that I had with my teacher, here’s what I had to say:
For someone suffering, death is the only medicine. Would you call it cruel? It’s the way it chooses to arrive that is cruel.
The most obvious question:
The related people thank the stars for this help that they didn’t have to do themselves. At least someone, the one who truly cared to see them relieved. Why don’t they make it legal? Is it really wrong? I wonder.
I think it’s rather selfish of related people to think that their dear one should stay as long as they can even though they cannot perform the basic functions. They depend on you for everything and can’t do a single thing themselves. Half of the body is wrecked, all slaughtered just in order to keep that heart beating. Is it really worth it?
I don’t say that you should give up even when there’s a chance of betterment but to keep someone suffering, to prolong that period just in order to keep them close knowing that sooner or later they will go away, I don’t think it’s justified.
If that person is in such pain and suffering that they can’t talk, can’t tell you what they want when they want it, is it really right for you to decide that they should stay just so that you could have some more moments with them, to see them move their eyelids or the tiny little finger in order to convey to you that they are not dead, yet?
What would you do?
Would that make you any happier if they died themselves, in the end, while working up their every last breath to make sure you knew they were there?
Why do you think it’s not legal in India?
For someone unaware and extremely patriotic would immediately point out that foreigners don’t love their people as much as we do, I’d like to know what makes India not legalise a practice that ends up working rather more effectively in giving peace to the people they love more than Havans they perform in their name after their demise?
There can't be a clear viewpoint for this. I'm not getting diplomatic but death is always unacceptable. This must be totally a decision made by the expert medical team.
I never said that you take this decision of your own accord, sir. Please read the definition again. Death has to be accepted when no other means remain. Why would you want someone to suffer?
I wouldn't want my own self or my loved ones to suffer or lead a life without dignity.
If the patient is in a position to decide for herself/himself, then good. Else, the euthanasia decision is to be taken after proper consideration & as the last option.
We Indians believe too much in Divine Existence of God & its Acts. We don't give up our hopes for our loved ones. Obviously, its equally painful for us to watch them in so much of pain, but we still believe that they aren't being called off for some purpose, so we are supposed to take care of them till their last breath. The Indian Judiciary is also afraid that in case of legalising any such act, what would be the reaction of the public at large, will it give a way to the sinners to get rid of their elders for their own independence, & many other issues. Although our intentions would be to put an end to the endless suffering of our related ones, but there is always the other side of coin; on being judged on that, it will sound cruel to quite some people.
Right, that is what is really the purpose. A chance to end their life with dignity. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Anita! 🙂
I know, every law that is made has some repercussions but it can be curbed by limiting the use of this right as the last resort. And this choice has to be made only when all is lost, not when there is still hope.
It's been illegal in the United States, but a patient choosing to end if terminally ill is slowly starting to become legal. There was a case about 18 months ago with a young woman in her 20's with the worst form of brain cancer actually moving to one of those states and then taking her life. I've been at the bedside of two friends with cancer in their final days. I honestly don't know what to think anymore. Sometimes, I think (at least here) doctors fight to keep you alive long after they should stop. This is a question that won't be answered easily.
A very thoughtful point Radhika. It's definitely will become our foolishness to let someone to suffer to that extent, where they can't even express their pain. 'Death With Dignity ' is preferable when the victim himself/herself gives up hope and when there is no other possible way to deliver them from pain, we are left with no choice, but to give them peace. It is the only way to cure that incurable pain which they're undergoing.
It's not easy though, the one who are left on earth must deny this. Because we can't let someone beloved let go. Thinking practically, we are helpless in that time. And it's a selfish thing to see them in pain rather than delivering them from it.
As an educated persons, we must accept this way of relief. When we tried everything to cure them and if all fails, finally this is the only way out. I've been thinking to write about this after reading a similar case in Oregon coast. But, in India many people will consider that as a 'murder', they would like to see their loved one suffer and letting them go is unacceptable here. For some reasons it is not possible to legalize the process, but if we all think, this is a good thing to do.
We Indians are kind hearted and affectionate, it means not that foreigners are rude and disrespectful towards their loved ones. We can offer service to a person so long knowing that person will leave us soon. If that person is amidst of unexplainable pain then switching to death with dignity is the only choice.
When there is not even 0.0001% of cure, this is acceptable.
Indeed thought provoking post.
I do believe in not using any aggressive or invasive forms of treatment when death is imminent – rather let the individual die with dignity and surrounded by her loved ones. I'm not comfortable with the idea of euthanasia though.
I support the right. I do believe compassion, should allow ending unbearable pain, when there is no hope for recovery.
A topic which needs to be discussed..!! Thanks for writing on it and the reactions from people around will surely help to know – Is DEATH the only MEDICINE when there is no hope to survive?
All I can say is, this a fight between HOPE and GIVING UP..!!
I am confused if I will allow the RIGHT will I let the other related people to HOPE for a miracle instead on GIVING UP and allowing the patient to die.. It's more of allowing a person to commit suicide.. But on the contrary it is a BLISS for him too as he will be sleeping a peaceful nap forever..!!
I guess that's the problem, they never actually lose hope. They always believe in MIRACLES…. Also, the Judiciary can't go for facing the Theists of the Indian Nation, and any such law will definitely stir them up.
Hi
This is an interesting topic and it is nice to see people's reaction.
Life basically is about choices. Everything we do has to do with choice.
Death isn't a bad thing but we have come to appreciate eternity which is why there is a conscious effort to always live on. No one wants to die suddenly, we want to stay forever of possible.
This is why it is difficult for one to decide the fate of another. If there once a chance that our love one will be better, we will take it.
The issue of Euthanasia should be done with precautions
There are four states here where there are laws that make it ok but certainly there are only certain reasons it can happen…I feel if you know there is no way you can get better than you should be able of sound mind make this decision for yourself…because as we all know it's a hard thing for love ones to make…I'm not so sure I could make would want to make that decision for anyone else…but if they chose it than I could expect it
It's a hard topic for most people to deal with.
Great post
There are four states here where there are laws that make it ok but certainly there are only certain reasons it can happen…I feel if you know there is no way you can get better than you should be able of sound mind make this decision for yourself…because as we all know it's a hard thing for love ones to make…I'm not so sure I could make would want to make that decision for anyone else…but if they chose it than I could expect it
It's a hard topic for most people to deal with.
Great post
The answer surely isn't easy but needs quite a lot of careful consideration from the patient's point of view. If the pain is too great and there is no hope, then the related people must decide whether the patient deserves a dignified death or not.
Thanks, Nikita!
I know it's difficult but is it really that difficult to understand the suffering of a person we love who is bound to a death bed supported by pipes and needles for every basic need, not responding or reacting to anything that you say?
Well, at least this is understandable and dignified.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Richard. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Navneet.
Giving up for someone you love, who's suffering every living moment, I'd call it hope for them.
That's right, if a chance is there, there's no reason why one wouldn't or shouldn't take a leap of faith but what about the time when there is no chance? What is the point of elongating that suffering?
Right, Sara. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
That's what I said. When there's not even .00001% chance, then one should end the suffering rather than elongate it needlessly.
I understand your views but sometimes our people indulge in false hopes, making it harder for themselves to endure the pain.
I understand your entire viewpoint, Omkar and I agree that it will be the hardest thing for a person to do, but then, elongating the suffering of our loved one is rather cruel, is it not?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Hey Radhika, that is a truly thoughtful reflection on a critical issue.
It makes sense in the case where there is no way out and pain and suffering is affecting the patient, to release them for their sake. But it is a very complex issue since not everyone in that state especially the ones related to the patient will be able to comprehend the patient's situation. For a closed one letting go of them in such a manner would be something so horrendous. For us, being aware and educated, it objectively does make sense, but when you are in it, especially when you aren't prepared for it and you really don't want to let go, it would even be difficult to clearly see that the one you love is suffering. And even if the person can see, it would be an unbearably tough choice to make.
And yes on a national level, in terms of the social context again due to lack of awareness, the way people will respond to the passing of such a law would be something that could be difficult to deal with.
Without having any medical knowledge this is something very difficult for me take a side. Maybe i never will be. I am wondering if this is made legal, can it be exploited in India? There should be a separate panel other than the regular treating doctors and family member who should have a say in the decision.
Again with Hope playing a role, it becomes very emotional or a disturbing decision for the family members.
Glad you wrote about it..it is a very sensitive issue especially for those whose loved ones r suffering. Its not easy as I have seen all this very closely. As much as I agree with you on all the points..it is a difficult decision.
Yes it is. I agree to that. And it does require intervention. So ya, in such a case, euthanasia can be of help, and yes for that it should be legalized!
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