Today, On 10th February, The Supreme Court of India agreed to hear a plea seeking passive euthanasia for terminally ill rabies patients in two weeks. The petition argues that rabies, being almost 100% fatal after symptoms appear, causes extreme suffering with no cure. It seeks legal recognition for withholding life support in such cases under the right to die with dignity.
The Karnataka Health Department has enacted a significant order allowing terminally ill patients to withdraw life-sustaining treatment, following the Supreme Court’s “Right to Die” directive. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao noted this decision, alongside the introduction of Advance Medical Directives. The process includes necessary approvals from medical professionals and the patient’s next of kin to ensure ethical adherence.
