Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 216 words written
Opening · a constitutional or legal provision
The Supreme Court of India has recognized the right to die with dignity as a part of right to life under Art 21. Along with, to get proper health care is also human right as per as mental illness is concerned.
Body · points
① The "Living will" in case of terminal illness, denotes the will of terminally ill patient about
- Till when to continue treatment.
- recognizing and exercising the right to die with dignity
Thus, In this case 'living will' presents the person who is terminally ill can express views on his right over his life.
② In case of mentally illness, "Living will" denotes the patient's views on
- how to get treatment in illness
- which methods to be used in extreme cases
- his right over his health/life
Many ethical issues are involved as,
① Terminally ill -
- It can be misused by relatives or doctors for their vested interests
- The determination of terminal illness connected to subjective interpretations
- Conservatives oppose the self-right to die as morally wrong
② Mentally Ill - → The question how mentally ill person determine 'living will' → The recourse to humane treatment by legitimization using loopholes → Question over wisdom of mentally ill.
Close
Yet, the recognition of 'living will' in the recent legislations is