The right to die is a controversial topic worldwide, with some arguing that individuals have the right to decide when they no longer want to live, while others believe governments should have the final say. The issue often involves assisted suicide and life support, and only a few countries have formally recognized the right to die. Religious groups generally reject the idea, but some religions, such as Hinduism and Jainism, accept it under certain circumstances.
The right to die is the belief that human beings have the right to decide when they no longer want to live, regardless of the circumstances. A person’s right to die in a way of their choosing is a controversial topic around the world and has been at the forefront of a number of human rights arguments. This right could apply to someone with a terminal medical condition or a person who no longer has the will to live.
Critics of the right to die argue that governments have a vested interest in whether people live or die and therefore should have the final say on the matter. Proponents of the right to die argue that decisions made about one’s life and one’s body should be made only by the individual and his or her family. The issue generally involves arguments for or against assisted suicide, but could involve other issues as well, such as stopping extended life support. Assisted suicide is usually practiced with euthanasia, a practice also practiced by veterinarians for suffering or terminally ill animals.
As of 2010, only a handful of nations have formally recognized the right to die and allowed their citizens a legal choice in the matter. These nations included Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland. In many countries, such as the United States, the act of assisted suicide has been considered a serious and punishable crime. One high-profile case involved Dr. Jack Kevorkian, a pathologist who helped more than 130 patients end their lives in the early 1990s. Kevorkian was convicted of second-degree murder and served eight years in prison. US states such as Oregon and Washington, however, have legalized assisted suicide under certain circumstances.
The right to die argument also arises in situations where one is in a partial or full vegetative state and relies on life support to live. Proponents of this situation argue that keeping the person in resuscitation is not healthy for the person and the family. Critics argue that societies have an interest in protecting life regardless of the circumstances, particularly if the afflicted person is unable to communicate whether or not he or she wants to go on living.
In general, religious groups around the world reject the right to die. There are exceptions of course. In Hinduism, it is acceptable for a person to end his life if he no longer has any responsibilities or desire to live. A similar theme is found in another religion originating in India, Jainism.
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