The case of 70-year-old HB Karisbasamma, who has moved the high court seeking permission for mercy killing or euthanasia, has evoked much debate and discussion. After news of her plight spread, she has received many offers of financial aid.
However, the 70-year-old is quite sure that what she needs is permission to end a life that has been lived with dignity so far. She is averse to receiving financial aid to meet medical expenses, and she would not have people think that she committed suicide.
“What I seek is mercy killing, not offers of aid,” Karibasamma said, firmly and without ambiguity. Karibasamma has been suffering a painful condition of the spinal cord called ‘intervetebral disc prolapse’. Commonly known as slip disc, this is a condition that affects the spine — the outer fibrous ring of the spine tears, allowing the soft central portion to bulge out.
This disease results in inflammation, and chemical mediators of the nerves are affected, causing acute pain. Karibasamma, who is also diabetic, has been suffering from this painful condition for over 10 years.
Karibasamma lives in an old age home at Davangere. As a retired school teacher, she draws a monthly pension of Rs8,968.
The modest pension is insufficient to cover her medical expenses. Ever since news of her plea for euthanasia or mercy killing spread, offers of financial aid have been pouring in. However, Karibasamma maintains that she has never before had to reach out for such aid, and would much rather end her life and her physical pain than seek assistance to meet medical expenses.
“There were people who wished to sponsor my treatment. I have also received offers to sponsor the expenses on medicines. Some people offered one-time monetary aid. I have turned all those offers down” said Karibasamma, adding, “I do not want to stretch my arms wide at this age and seek aid. I do not want to depend on anyone for my health expenses.”
What also concerns her is the fact that she has no one to take care of her. She lives in an old age home, and she has little family support. With so much pain and so little left to live for, Karibasamma feels that death in dignity is far preferable to life.
The pain is so excruciating that she likens it to a fresh death each day. “I die everyday. I want to die once and for all. I don’t want to commit suicide; I want the government’s permission to end my life. I have fought valiantly for life, now I do not wish to continue that fight any longer,” she said.
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