ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 25

Notwithstanding all the hype and hoopla, this issue is not as simple as it looks on the surface. This issue has two clear cur sides each with their own very strong arguments. In what follows we present a balanced view on its two sides and compared the practice of euthanasia with the practice of Sallekhana -Samadhimarana.
The Arguments for (Voluntary) Euthanasia: 1. It upholds the sufferer's right to die a painless and dignified death as and when he
chooses to die. 2. It shortens the life but also shortens the suffering, which is of vital concern from the
sufferer's point of view. 3. It is applied only on voluntary specific request from the suffering when the doctor also
feels that the disease is incurable and the suffering is immitigable. 4. It is applied in the cases of extremely old and persons suffering from incurable diseases
like advanced stages of AIDS, Cancer, Kidney failure, Alzheimer's disease, Nervous
disorders, etc only. 5. It upholds human dignity, which is compromised in the cases of old-age and suffering. 6. It is voluntary on the parts of both the sufferer and the doctor to whom the request is
made.
In The Case Of Passive Euthanasia (Mercy-Killing): 1. It is the case of humane killing and when applied with discretion in the case of the brain
dead persons etc, it is an act of mercy to end the suffering of those who cannot even tell. 2. In most cases the doctor just has to discontinue the life support systems such as the
ventilator, feeding tubes etc and the patient passes away without any suffering and pain.
Arguments against Euthanasia: 1. 'The God giveth and the God taketh'; no one else has a right to intervene in the divine
process of life and death. The man cannot give life so he must not take life, voluntarily or
otherwise. 2. Though humane it is still killing. 3. It does not enjoy any religious approval. 4. It has legal implications. 5. It can be grossly misused by the vested interests and irresponsible regimes.
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