Decriminalization of suicide attempt rekindles debate on euthanasia

NEW DELHI: As the government announced its decision to move towards decriminalizing suicide, Lok Sabha MP A Sampath pushed the envelope by calling for a debate on legalizing euthanasia.

Coincidentaly, CPM's Sampath had asked the government to delete Section 309 (suicide) of IPC two days ago during a debate on repealing of obsolete laws in Lok Sabha. Little did he know his wish would be granted so soon.

Welcoming the Union home ministry's announcement on decriminalizing suicide on Wednesday, Sampath told TOI there is a strong case for accepting euthanasia. "With adequate safeguards, there is a possibility of legalizing euthanasia. I gather it is legal in some countries," he said.

Sampath said the right to end one's life is important but sensitive, and should be debated by all stakeholders to ensure that society reaches the right conclusion, acknowledging the possibility of its misuse.

According to the Kerala MP, the futility of continuing in a medically terminal state and the financial burden on the family add to the urgency for a decision on the controversial subject.

"If there is a person in a vegetative state or in a situation from where he cannot return to normal life, he should be in a position to decide to end his life," Sampath argued. "It is also a torment for the family, which has to continue with the costly medical treatment because of social pressures. The government does not bear the cost because we are not a welfare state," he added.

He said the longstanding debate can be resolved because doctors, too, have been allowed to decide when to take a patient off the ventilator. "How do they make that decision?" he asked.

Sampath said Indian society may not accept euthanasia but claimed there were many "unacceptable practices", like surrogate motherhood, prevalent now. "There should be a pragmatic, radical approach in dealing with these issues," he advocated.

Backing the move to do away with criminal action for suicide, the MP said Section 309 of IPC had created a queer situation which had to be removed. "If a person kills himself, there is no action. But if a person fails in his attempt to take his life, then he faces police action. This is not fair," Sampath said.