SC recognises living will by terminally-ill patients for passive euthanasia

The Supreme Court on Friday recognised 'living will' made by terminally-ill patients for passive euthanasia.

The apex court said that it has laid down guidelines on who would execute the will and how nod for passive euthanasia would be granted by the medical board.

Passive enthanasia is a condition where medical aid is withdrawn so that a terminally ill-patient can have a dignified death. The living will is a document that allows a patient to instruct, in advance, the medical treatments to be administered when he or she is terminally ill and is unable to give informed consent .

The court observed that patients have a right to die with dignity.