Karnataka implements right-to-die policy

Karnataka has implemented the right-to-die policy under the Supreme Court’s order.

This policy allows terminally ill patients to end life support with dignity.

Eligibility:

The policy applies to patients with incurable illnesses or no chance of recovery while on life support.

Medical Review Process:

A two-step medical review process is required.

A primary board of three doctors assesses the patient’s condition, followed by a secondary board with three doctors and one government-appointed doctor.https://www.iasjnana.com/

Court Approval:

If the court approves, life support will be withdrawn under medical supervision.

Family Request:

The process begins only after a family request.

Supreme Court Ruling

In Common Cause vs Union of India & Anr (2018) case, recognised right to die with dignity as a fundamental right under Article 21 and upheld legal validity of passive euthanasia.

Euthanasia is an act of deliberately ending a person’s life to relieve suffering from painful and incurable disease or disorder.

Further in 2023, court simplified certain directions of an earlier Constitution Bench on how to implement advance medical directives for passive euthanasia.

Key highlights of Guidelineshttps://www.iasjnana.com/

Withdrawing Life Sustaining Treatments (LST) can be done in certain conditions such as an individual is declared brainstem death, etc.

Constitution of Primary Medical Board (PMB) and Secondary Medical Board (SMB)

Foregoing of LST proposals should be made by consensus by members of PMB.

 SMB must validate PMB decision.https://www.iasjnana.com/

Clinical Ethics Committee to be constituted by hospitals for audit, oversight, & conflict resolution.