Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab.
Euthanasia also called as mercy killing is producing painless death of an individual suffering from hopelessly incurable and painful disease. The question of euthanasia arises on three occasions that is at the beginning of life in severely handicapped children, at the end of natural life and when a person is severely impaired as a result of brain damage. The present paper deals with concept, types, reasons for opting euthanasia as well as arguments in favour and against euthanasia, history of euthanasia, its legalization both international and in Indian scenario will be discussed along with its ethical consideration in relation to Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations 2002.
Persistent vegetative state, physician assisted suicide, living will, brain death
