Speech on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised: 1-minute, 2-minute, 5-minute 

Speech on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised: Euthanasia, often referred to as “mercy killing,” involves the deliberate act of ending a person’s life to alleviate intractable suffering. This topic has sparked extensive ethical, legal, and medical debates worldwide. In India, passive euthanasia—where life-sustaining treatments are withheld or withdrawn—has been legal under specific conditions since the Supreme Court’s landmark judgments in 2011 and 2018. The Court recognized the validity of “living wills” or advance directives, allowing terminally ill patients or those in a persistent vegetative state to choose passive euthanasia. In January 2023, the Supreme Court further streamlined the process for executing these directives, aiming to make it more accessible for those seeking to exercise this choice.

As students explore the question of whether euthanasia should be legalised, it’s important to consider these developments alongside the diverse ethical, cultural, and legal perspectives that shape this complex issue.

1- Minute Speech on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised 

Good morning, esteemed teachers and fellow students,

Euthanasia, often termed “mercy killing,” refers to intentionally ending a person’s life to alleviate unbearable suffering. Globally, its legal status varies: countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Canada permit active euthanasia under strict conditions, while others, such as Switzerland, allow assisted suicide. In India, the Supreme Court legalised passive euthanasia in 2018, permitting the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments for terminally ill patients under stringent guidelines.

Advocates for legalising euthanasia argue that it offers a compassionate choice for those enduring intractable pain, upholding individual autonomy over one’s body and life decisions. They cite cases like that of Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse who remained in a vegetative state for 42 years following a brutal assault, highlighting the potential relief euthanasia could provide in such dire circumstances.

Conversely, opponents express concerns about potential abuses, especially among vulnerable populations who might feel pressured to opt for euthanasia due to societal or familial burdens. They emphasise the sanctity of life and the ethical duty of medical professionals to preserve it. Recent debates, such as those surrounding the Assisted Dying Bill in the UK, have intensified these discussions, with critics fearing that legalising euthanasia could undermine trust in the medical profession.

As we contemplate the legalisation of euthanasia, it is imperative to balance compassionate choices for those suffering with robust safeguards to protect the vulnerable, ensuring that ethical and moral considerations are meticulously addressed.

Thank you for your attention.

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3- Minute Speech on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised 

Good morning, esteemed teachers and fellow students,

Euthanasia, derived from the Greek words “eu” (good) and “thanatos” (death), signifies a “good death.” It encompasses practices aimed at ending a person’s life to relieve intractable suffering, with classifications into active and passive forms. Active euthanasia involves direct actions to cause death, such as administering a lethal injection, while passive euthanasia entails withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, allowing natural death to occur.

Globally, the legal landscape of euthanasia is diverse. Countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg have legalised active euthanasia under stringent conditions, emphasising informed consent and unbearable suffering. In the United States, states such as Oregon and Washington permit physician-assisted suicide, where doctors provide lethal substances for self-administration by patients. Conversely, nations like Australia have experienced fluctuating legal stances; for instance, the Northern Territory briefly legalised euthanasia in the 1990s before federal intervention revoked the law.

In India, the discourse on euthanasia gained prominence following the case of Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse who remained in a persistent vegetative state for 42 years after a violent assault. In 2011, the Supreme Court addressed her situation, leading to the legalisation of passive euthanasia under specific guidelines. This landmark decision permitted the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments for patients in irreversible conditions, provided strict procedures were followed. Further advancements occurred in 2018 when the Supreme Court recognised the validity of ‘living wills,’ allowing individuals to outline their preferences for end-of-life care in anticipation of future incapacitation.

Advocates for legalising euthanasia present several compelling arguments. Foremost is the respect for individual autonomy; they assert that competent individuals should have the right to decide the course of their lives, including its end, especially when facing terminal illnesses accompanied by unbearable pain. They argue that euthanasia can provide a dignified exit, preventing prolonged suffering and preserving the quality of life. Additionally, proponents highlight the potential to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens on families and healthcare systems associated with extended end-of-life care.

Conversely, opponents raise ethical, moral, and practical concerns. A primary argument is the sanctity of life, with many believing that intentionally ending a human life is inherently wrong, regardless of circumstances. There are fears about the potential for abuse, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, or economically disadvantaged, who might feel coerced into choosing euthanasia due to societal or familial pressures. The medical community also faces dilemmas; the fundamental principle of “do no harm” could be perceived as compromised, potentially eroding trust between patients and healthcare providers. Recent debates, such as those surrounding the Assisted Dying Bill in the UK, have intensified these discussions, with critics fearing that legalising euthanasia could undermine the foundational ethos of medical practice.

As India navigates this complex issue, the future of euthanasia legislation remains a topic of active debate. While passive euthanasia and living wills are legally recognised, active euthanasia continues to be prohibited. Ongoing discussions involve balancing individual rights with societal values, ethical considerations, and the potential implications for the medical profession. The evolution of euthanasia laws in India will likely continue to reflect the dynamic interplay of these diverse perspectives.

Thank you for your attention.

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5- Minute Speech on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised 

Good morning, esteemed teachers and fellow students,

Euthanasia remains a controversial subject in India. While passive euthanasia was legalized in 2018 following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling, active euthanasia is still illegal. The court also introduced the concept of a living will, which allows terminally ill patients to express their desire to refuse life-sustaining treatment in advance. Despite these developments, the debate continues, with many arguing that India’s laws are still restrictive and need further refinement.

Arguments in Favor of Euthanasia

Supporters of euthanasia argue that it is an act of compassion. When a person is suffering from a terminal illness, with no hope of recovery and enduring excruciating pain, euthanasia can offer a peaceful and dignified end. Medical advancements have prolonged life, but sometimes, this results in unnecessary suffering rather than meaningful survival.

A key example is the case of Venkatesh, a terminally ill patient from Hyderabad who suffered from muscular dystrophy. In 2004, he requested euthanasia, stating that his condition had become unbearable. However, his plea was rejected, and he passed away in pain. Had euthanasia been legal, he could have had a peaceful passing.

Financial burdens also play a crucial role. Long-term intensive medical care can drain a family’s resources, often leading to economic hardship. Many argue that if a patient has no chance of recovery, resources should be used for those who can be saved.

Additionally, legal euthanasia can be a safeguard against illegal mercy killings, which sometimes happen in secrecy without medical supervision. Having a structured legal process would ensure that only those who genuinely qualify can opt for euthanasia.

Arguments Against Euthanasia

Despite these arguments, opponents strongly believe that euthanasia is a dangerous concept. One major concern is the potential misuse of the law. Vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and disabled, might be pressured into choosing euthanasia due to family burden, financial constraints, or emotional distress. There have been cases worldwide where patients have opted for euthanasia not because of physical suffering but because they felt like a burden to their families.

The sanctity of life is another major concern. Many religious and ethical groups believe that life is sacred and that no one has the right to end it intentionally. Doctors take an oath to “do no harm,” and legalizing euthanasia could contradict this fundamental principle of medicine.

A real-life example that sparked debate was the 2014 euthanasia case in Belgium, where a 24-year-old woman named Laura, who suffered from severe depression but had no terminal illness, was granted euthanasia. This led to concerns about whether mental illness should qualify for euthanasia and whether the law could be extended too far.

Furthermore, there is the possibility of medical advancements bringing new treatments that could improve a patient’s quality of life. Diseases that were once considered untreatable, such as HIV, are now manageable due to medical research. Allowing euthanasia might mean ending lives when a potential cure could be discovered in the near future.

What is the Future of Euthanasia in India?

Currently, India’s laws permit only passive euthanasia, but there is ongoing debate about whether active euthanasia should also be legalised. Some experts believe that with better legal safeguards and stricter regulations, active euthanasia may be introduced in the future. Countries like the Netherlands and Canada have shown that with proper guidelines, euthanasia can be practiced ethically.

However, India’s cultural, religious, and social beliefs play a significant role in shaping these laws. Many people believe that life and death should be left to fate or divine will. Whether India will expand its euthanasia laws remains uncertain, but discussions on the subject continue to evolve.

Conclusion

Euthanasia is not just a legal issue but also a deeply personal and ethical one. While some see it as a humane way to end suffering, others fear it could lead to unintended consequences. In a country like India, where family bonds and religious beliefs are strong, euthanasia remains a sensitive topic. As the medical field advances and society’s views change, India may reconsider its stance on euthanasia in the future. Until then, it remains a subject of debate, requiring careful thought and discussion.

Thank you for your attention.

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7- Minute Speech on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised 

Good morning, esteemed teachers and fellow students.

Today, we are going to talk about a topic that raises many questions about life, death, human rights, and medical ethics—euthanasia. This issue is widely debated across the world, as it involves making a difficult decision about whether a person suffering from an incurable illness should be allowed to end their life in a dignified manner.

Some believe that euthanasia, also called “mercy killing,” is an act of compassion, allowing people to die without prolonged suffering. Others argue that human life is sacred and should never be intentionally ended, no matter the circumstances. Understanding this debate is important for us, as future citizens who will contribute to shaping laws, ethics, and medical advancements in our country and beyond.

What is Euthanasia?

Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending a person’s life to relieve them from suffering, especially in cases where the person is facing a terminal illness or is in unbearable pain. It is often carried out with medical assistance.

Euthanasia can be categorised in different ways:

1. Voluntary Euthanasia – When a person consciously requests euthanasia to end their life, often due to a terminal illness or severe suffering.
2. Non-Voluntary Euthanasia – When a person is unable to express their wish (such as being in a coma), and someone else makes the decision on their behalf.
3. Involuntary Euthanasia – When euthanasia is performed against the individual’s will, which is considered murder under the law.
4. Active Euthanasia – When an action is taken to directly end a person’s life, such as administering a lethal injection.
5. Passive Euthanasia – When life-sustaining treatment is withdrawn, allowing the person to die naturally.

Euthanasia Across the World

Euthanasia laws vary greatly from country to country. Some nations have fully legalised euthanasia and assisted suicide under strict conditions, while others continue to prohibit it. Here are a few examples:

1. Netherlands – The Netherlands became the first country to legalise both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in 2002. Patients must meet strict criteria, including unbearable suffering with no hope of recovery.
2. Belgium – Similar to the Netherlands, Belgium allows euthanasia for both adults and, under specific conditions, for minors.
3. Switzerland – While active euthanasia is illegal, assisted suicide is legal as long as there is no selfish motive behind it.
4. Canada – Canada legalised Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in 2016, allowing adults to request medical help to end their lives.
5. United States – Only certain states like Oregon, Washington, and California permit physician-assisted suicide, but euthanasia remains illegal at the federal level.

Euthanasia in India

India has had an evolving stance on euthanasia, shaped by important legal cases:

1. Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011) – Aruna Shanbaug was a nurse who remained in a vegetative state for 42 years after a violent assault. Her case led the Supreme Court to allow passive euthanasia under strict guidelines but deny active euthanasia.
2. Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018) – The Supreme Court ruled that passive euthanasia was legal and recognized the validity of ‘living wills.’ A living will allows a person to refuse life-sustaining treatment in the future if they develop a terminal illness.

Even though passive euthanasia is legal, active euthanasia remains strictly prohibited in India.

Arguments in Favor of Euthanasia

There are several reasons why some people support the legalisation of euthanasia:

1. Right to Die with Dignity – Advocates argue that individuals have the right to choose how they die, especially if they are suffering from unbearable pain due to a terminal illness.
2. Relief from Suffering – Many terminally ill patients experience extreme pain that cannot be relieved by medicine. Euthanasia can provide a peaceful and painless death.
3. Medical Resource Allocation – Hospitals and doctors often have to use extensive resources to keep terminally ill patients alive, even when recovery is impossible. Legal euthanasia could allow better use of medical resources.
4. Prevention of Illegal Practices – Some people already seek euthanasia illegally in desperate situations. Legalizing euthanasia with strict regulations can prevent unsafe and unethical practices.

Arguments Against Euthanasia

On the other hand, many people strongly oppose euthanasia for the following reasons:

1. Sanctity of Life – Many religious and moral beliefs hold that life is sacred and should not be taken intentionally.
2. Risk of Abuse – Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or disabled, might be pressured into euthanasia by family members who do not want to care for them.
3. Medical Ethics – The Hippocratic Oath, taken by doctors, requires them to save lives and “do no harm.” Some argue that euthanasia contradicts this principle.
4. Palliative Care Alternatives – Modern medical advancements provide pain-relief treatments and palliative care that can help patients live comfortably rather than resort to euthanasia.

Current Trends and Future Outlook

As medical and ethical debates continue, euthanasia laws are constantly evolving.

• In Canada, nearly 4% of all deaths in 2021 occurred through medically assisted dying.
• In Switzerland, a 64-year-old American woman used the Sarco pod, a 3D-printed device that induces death through nitrogen inhalation, raising debates on technology-assisted euthanasia.
• In India, while passive euthanasia remains legal, discussions about expanding euthanasia laws to include active euthanasia continue.

In the coming years, India may review its euthanasia laws as medical technology advances and ethical debates evolve.

Conclusion

Euthanasia is a deeply complex and emotional topic that challenges our views on life, death, and morality. The debate revolves around individual rights, compassion for the suffering, medical ethics, and potential risks. While some see euthanasia as a necessary relief for those in unbearable pain, others fear its misuse and moral consequences.

Regardless of personal beliefs, it is important to continue discussions on this issue with sensitivity and open-mindedness. Laws and medical ethics must evolve with society’s values while ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected. As future citizens, we must strive to make informed and compassionate decisions that respect human dignity and uphold justice.

Thank you for your attention.

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10 Important Lines on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised

Here are 10 important lines to be included in a speech on should euthanasia be legalised:

1. Euthanasia, or mercy killing, means ending a person’s life to relieve extreme pain from an incurable disease.
2. There are two types: active euthanasia (using medicines to end life) and passive euthanasia (stopping life-support treatment).
3. Countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, and some U.S. states have legalised euthanasia under strict conditions.
4. In India, passive euthanasia was legalised in 2018 by the Supreme Court, but active euthanasia is still illegal.
5. The Aruna Shanbaug case (2011) played a big role in shaping euthanasia laws in India.
6. Supporters say euthanasia gives terminally ill patients a choice to die with dignity and end unbearable suffering.
7. Opponents argue that euthanasia can be misused, especially for elderly and disabled people, due to family or financial pressure.
8. Doctors take an oath to save lives, and euthanasia raises ethical concerns in the medical profession.
9. Some experts believe improving palliative care (pain relief and support for the dying) is a better solution than euthanasia.
10. The debate on euthanasia is ongoing, and India’s future laws may change based on medical advancements and ethical discussions.

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