The Union Health Ministry has issued draft guidelines on passive euthanasia. The document titled 'Draft Guidelines for Withdrawal of Life Support in Terminally Ill Patients' has been released for review and feedback by stakeholders until October 20. The draft defines terminal illness as a condition that is irreversible or incurable, leading to inevitable death in the near future. The guidelines outline specific criteria for decision-making, including brainstem death, medical prognosis indicating little benefit from further interventions, documented refusal of life support by the patient or surrogate, and compliance with procedures mandated by the Supreme Court.

In response to the draft guidelines, Dr. R V Asokan, the national President of IMA, emphasized that such decisions have historically been made with good intentions by doctors, involving thorough communication with patients' families and consideration of each case on its own merits. Dr. Asokan stressed the importance of allowing decisions regarding end-of-life care to be guided by a combination of medical expertise and individual circumstances, rather than rigid guidelines or allegations of inappropriate prolongation of life.

Passive euthanasia refers to the deliberate withholding or discontinuation of medical treatments or life-sustaining interventions, enabling a person to pass away naturally from their underlying illness. This may involve ceasing interventions such as mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, or medications that sustain life. Unlike active euthanasia, which involves direct actions to cause death, passive euthanasia permits death to occur by refraining from interfering with the natural progression of the disease.Passive euthanasia is often considered for individuals with terminal illnesses, minimal chances of recovery, or in a persistent vegetative state. Decisions for passive euthanasia are typically made based on the patient's preferences, advance directives, or through family members and healthcare proxies when the patient is unable to decide for themselves. While this practice raises ethical concerns, it is permitted in many countries under specific guidelines and conditions. The impact of stress on skin and hair is also significant in individuals dealing with illness.

Euthanasia is legal in various countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland (assisted suicide), Canada (euthanasia and assisted suicide), and certain U.S. states like Oregon, Washington, and California (assisted suicide with strict regulations). Colombia has also legalized euthanasia, each with specific criteria such as terminal illness or unbearable suffering that must be met for the procedure to be performed legally.