Father moves Gujarat High Court to seek euthanasia for 23-year-old with cerebral palsy

A pharmacist in Ahmedabad has approached Gujarat High Court to seek permission to end the life of his 22-year-old daughter who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Vaidehi Rajgor was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was six months old. "It took 12 years of physiotherapy and two surgeries to improve her limb movement," said her mother Palak, "but extreme muscle rigidity over the past year has left her in extreme pain."

It is now difficult for Vaidehi to even sit on a chair. "She needs help for everything, including going to the bathroom," said Palak, "We need to carry her, and every time she is moved, she cries out in pain. She also has difficulty eating. Who will care for her when we are gone?" The mother said moving court was the only option left to them.

The parents' petition states that they have approached various experts and doctors, who have been unable to provide any hope for improving Vaidehi's condition. She lives with her parents and two siblings.

Euthanasia has been a contentious issue in the Supreme Court for many years: In March 2011, the top court ruled out active euthanasia i.e. the administration of a lethal injection to terminally ill patients. In March 2018, it recognised living wills made by terminally-ill patients for passive euthanasia and laid down guidelines on procedures.

Her parents' petition to court says the top court's clearly stated a right to 'death with dignity' and that their daughter is trapped in a painful condition, with no hope of recovery. She is also dependent on everyone for everything.

"I believe it is also the first such case to come before any court in India following the Supreme Court order on euthanasia," said Anvesh Vyas, the Rajgors' lawyer.

The court has asked the government and medical superintendent of Civil Hospital to file a reply.

Death Wish

• March 2011: SC rules out active euthanasia
• March 2018: It recognises living wills made by terminally-ill patients for passive euthanasia 
• It lays down procedures and guidelines to be adopted for it