
Right to Die with Dignity Enacted
On January 30, 2025, Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the state’s decision to implement the Supreme Court’s directive on passive euthanasia. This policy allows individuals suffering from incurable diseases or in a persistent vegetative state to choose to end their life support, marking a significant step in recognizing the right to die with dignity.
Implementation and Guidelines
The state has established comprehensive guidelines to ensure ethical and transparent implementation of passive euthanasia. These include:
- Medical Board Approval: A panel of medical experts must assess and approve each case.
- Informed Consent: The patient’s consent is mandatory, either directly or through a legally authorized representative.
- Legal Oversight: Judicial authorities will oversee the process to prevent misuse.
This move positions Karnataka as the second state in India to adopt such measures, reflecting a progressive approach to end-of-life care.