An Analysis of the Concept of Euthanasia in Relation to Right to Life in Nigeria

Abstract

The concept of euthanasia can best be described as the newest culture of death; this is because the concept seeks to eliminate lives that are unworthy of life. Euthanasia is the act or practice of ending the life of a person who is suffering from an incurable and often painful or distressing illness. Globally, the controversy on euthanasia traverses public opinion, decisions of courts, socio-medical, religious and even legal discourse which revolves around matters of the patients autonomy, quality of life. (And death) avoiding unnecessary and inevitable suffering preserving a patient dignity in the dying process. It also rotate around respect for human life, the possibility of coercing a person to request euthanasia, the possibility that the person requesting it is not fully competent or informed about his/her illness. The question of euthanasia arises but, like his right to life does a man have a right to die? Is physician aid in dying a crime? Is there a nexus between crimes of murder? Must the state compel a patient to endure a protracted and painful death in this age in view of the constitutional right to dignity and self-determination as guaranteed exposing the issues so as to generate effective legal regulation of the concept in Nigeria. To this end the essay will explore some of these questions from the medical, religious, legal, Nigeria and the global perspective. This essay aims is to examine the issues surrounding euthanasia In relation to right to life in Nigeria and the paramount reasons why euthanasia in Nigeria should be critically discussed globally it has risen to be a recent trend.