Jain Journal 1978 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 44

134
The doctor resumed the discussion by introducing economic aspect of the case. He added "if euthanasia is practised the economic conditions of some families may improve and we can indirectly help the family planning programme also." He was right to a certain extent because patients complain of one trouble or the other, and the relations find it impossible to get all the medicines that the doctors prescribe to alleviate the pain of the patient. Besides, constant presence of the attendants of the patients interferes with their duties at the place of their employment. Thus if such patients as suffer from incurable diseases are laid to rest, it will be great help to the national economy. They are, in a way, a burden on their family, society and nation.
JAIN JOURNAL
With the vastly improved and sure techniques at hand, it is now possible to predict the course of the disease with almost complete certainty. So with such a knowledge at our command, is it moral to prolong the agony of the dieing? The surgical and medical wards are full of advanced cases of cancer, heart diseases and other incurable diseases who beg to be relieved of their misery. We, however, with firmly entrenched professional instinct of recurrence of life, keep them alive with as much zeal and ardour as we lavish on a young and vigorous man who has met with a serious accident, that there is nobility in this profession to preserve life. "I would not deny that", said the doctor, "however, there comes a stage in human life and conduct when excess of truth and excess of morality become a denial of both. In my opinion, it would be moral to terminate life at a certain stage." But before taking a final decision on it, certain points should be borne in mind. First of course, will come the overwhelming desire of the patient to be rid of his misery. Some times the patients becomes ill-tempered owing to unbearable pain and other symptoms. Moreover, when he comes to know that he/she cannot be cured, his/her agony will increase. Thus, the patient surrenders himself. Secondly the consent of the near and dear ones of the patient must be taken. This is very important since the relations cannot stand the agony of the patient and offer their consent for euthanasia. It is because they know the inevitability of his condition and thus relieves themselves from this living death.
Lastly, the patient should be examined by three outstanding professional persons and certificate should be obtained from them as to the incurability of the disease. These safeguards may be further strengthened as we gain experience.
The ideas thrown up by the young doctor left me thinking as to the desirability of practising euthanasia. At the outset, looking to the logic