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Introduction

Assisted dying, also referred to as medical aid in dying, allows terminally ill, mentally competent adults to voluntarily end their lives using prescribed medication. Recently, the UK House of Commons passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, legalising the practice for patients with less than six months to live.

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Assisted Dying

• Definition and eligibility: Assisted dying is the voluntary ingestion of prescribed medication by adults diagnosed with terminal illness, typically having a prognosis under six months.
  Eg.. In India, the Supreme Court’s Common Cause judgment (2018) allows mentally competent patients to refuse life support via living wills.
• Dual medical oversight: Two independent doctors assess the patient’s terminal condition and capacity before authorising the process.
  Eg. In Canada, medical aid in dying (MAiD) requires confirmation from two providers that death is “reasonably foreseeable.”
• Self-administration rule: Patients themselves must take the medication; third-party euthanasia remains illegal in many countries.
  Eg. India prohibits active euthanasia, which involves third-party intervention, under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
• Voluntary clinician involvement: Doctors and nurses may opt out based on conscientious objection, without penalisation.
  Eg. US laws protect medical professionals through “conscience clauses.”

Ethical and Moral Implications of Assisted Dying

Ethical Implications

• Respect for Autonomy: The law affirms a patient’s right to choose death with dignity when facing unbearable suffering.
• Preventing Coercion: Mental health assessments and legal oversight protect against manipulation of the vulnerable.
• Risk of Expanding Criteria: Critics warn of a “slippery slope” where eligibility may broaden over time.
• Priority Over Palliative Care: There is concern that assisted dying may be chosen due to inadequate palliative care.

Moral Implications

• Sanctity of Life: Many religious and cultural traditions hold that life is sacred and must not be prematurely ended.
• Social Equity Concerns: Economic or disability-related pressure may unfairly influence the decision to die.
• Moral Duty to Relieve Suffering: Some believe it is compassionate to allow individuals to avoid prolonged pain.
• Changing Social Norms: Legalisation signals a shift toward values of dignity, self-determination, and mercy.

Conclusion

Assisted dying balances the values of individual autonomy, human dignity, and the protection of the vulnerable. While it provides a compassionate option for those facing terminal illness, ethical and moral safeguards, as well as strong palliative care systems, are crucial to ensure responsible implementation.

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