00:00Life-threatening diseases, accidents or even an attack can leave someone with no hope of recovery.
00:06For many, the thought of being hooked to machines or a long, painful death is terrifying.
00:12And that's why India recognises the right to die with dignity through passive euthanasia.
00:22It started in 2011 with the Arunach-Shanbaugh case, where the Supreme Court allowed it in rare situations.
00:29In 2018, the Common Cause case expanded this right and introduced a Living Will or the Advanced Medical Directive, AMD.
00:38In 23, the process was simplified.
00:41So how does it work?
00:42Any adult, while of sound mind, can draft a Living Will to specify what should happen if you're terminally ill, in a vegetative state or beyond recovery.
00:52But remember, it only kicks in when doctors confirm there is no medical hope.
00:57And it allows doctors to stop invasive, life-prolonging care like ventilator, CPR or aggressive medication.
01:05Only when recovery is impossible.
01:07It does not allow anything to actively cause death.
01:11You can't get an injection or starve.
01:13In fact, in 2024, the Supreme Court refused to remove a feeding tube from a comatose patient, saying that this would amount to killing.
01:22And here's what you need to do.
01:24Draft your Living Will while you're mentally sound.
01:27Name two guardians, close relatives or friends, who will consent for you when you can't.
01:32Clearly state in that which treatment you want stopped or simply write that you don't want anything that artificially prolongs life or causes more harm than good.
01:43Templates are available online.
01:44Your Living Will must be signed in front of two independent witnesses and attested by a notary or gazetted officer.
01:52All of them must certify that you understood what you were signing.
01:56Copies go to your guardians, your doctor and the municipal custodian officer appointed by the government.
02:02When the time comes, the primary medical board, that is your doctor and two specialists, will review your condition.
02:08Then the secondary medical board, set up by the district health office, reviews it again.
02:13Both boards must agree that there is no alternative treatment and recovery is impossible.
02:19The hospital then sends this decision and your Living Will to the local magistrate for final approval.
02:25If there's a disagreement, the high court can be approached and they will appoint a senior medical panel to decide.
02:32This is not an easy or quick process and in many places, the system is not fully set up yet.
02:37But if you want to spare yourself unnecessary suffering and make sure it's your choice,
