Twitter
Advertisement

Euthanasia: Religious leaders say life should live its length

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Religious leaders have more or less a uniform voice on Euthanasia, as almost all of them say that a life should live its length. The debate cropped up ever since the supreme court asked the state governments to look into the matter.

"The church is very clear about the sanctity of human life. Life is a gift of God and the only one to decide on its length is God himself. That is why the Church has the same stand with regards to euthanasia and abortion. In both cases, sanctity of human life is violated. We understand that there are special cases, but we still look at preserving life no matter what. Church does not endorse or accept the concept of Euthanasia," said Fr. Nigel Barrett, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bombay.

Jains, who have a concept of taking samadhis, too ruled out the process. "In our philosophy, the body has to undergo all the penances there are. If they do not do so in this life, they will have to do it in the next life. We should not support that as it is suicide, in a way. Jains take samadhis, which is different. It is considered as a type of penance through fasting," said Pramapujya Karyakushal Acharyashri Kulchandrasuriji, a Jain monk.

Muslim religious leaders also cautioned against the potential misuse that euthanasia could have. "Tomorrow, there could be a case where people do not want some to live. In that case, there could be a misuse.

There have been cases where people have come out from coma. As per Islam, life is very precious and people should find cure for ailments," said Maulana Hakim Mehmood Dariyabadi.

Hindu religious leaders echoed this. Chaitanya Charan Prabhuji, editor of ISCKON international magazine said, "Firstly, all life is sacred. Both in living and dying, life has to be dealt with sensitivity and dignity. In euthanasia, when a person's life is prematurely ended, that is disrespect to the sanctity of life. We do not have the power to create life. Hindu scriptures say that life's dignity needs to be preserved. Society should have the adequate support system."

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement