MP teacher with rare bone disorder seeks nod for euthanasia

A 52-year-old government school teacher from Indore, who is suffering from a rare bone disorder that has confined her to a wheelchair, has sought President Droupadi Murmu's consent for euthanasia.

The administration, however, is trying to dissuade her, although she remains steadfast in her demand, an official said.

Euthanasia is the practice of painlessly putting to death a person suffering from painful and incurable disease or incapacitating physical disorder.

Talking to PTI on Monday, Chandrakanta Jethwani, a science teacher at the government primary school in Jabran Colony, said she suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder that affects bone formation and makes bones extremely fragile.

"I have made an appeal for euthanasia to the President through the media. I have already pledged my eyes and body. I want medical students to study my disease after my death," she said.

Jethwani said she initially used a walker to move around and managed to ride a scooter, but after being allegedly prescribed wrong medication in 2020, her condition deteriorated, and she has since been wheelchair-bound.

She still attends school using a wheelchair.

"My parents and siblings have passed away. I am completely broken, physically and financially," the unmarried teacher said.

Pawan Chauhan, joint director in charge of the social justice department, said, "We have sent a clinical psychologist to counsel the teacher. If required, we will arrange another counselling session." District project coordinator Vinay Mishra said that the education department has been providing all possible support to Jethwani and has assigned her to a school she can easily access.

Jethwani, however, continues to press for her euthanasia request and has demanded that until she receives the President's approval, the administration should assign a female attendant to care for her 24 hours a day.

"I will never commit suicide. I will wait for a week or two for the President's permission for euthanasia. If I do not receive it, I will stop consuming food and water," she added.

The Supreme Court has recognised the right to die with dignity as a fundamental right, specifically allowing for passive euthanasia under certain conditions.

This includes the option for terminally ill patients to execute a "living will" to refuse medical treatment, particularly if they are in a persistent vegetative state and unable to communicate their wishes.

The apex court laid down guidelines for the process of passive euthanasia, including the formation of medical boards to assess the patient's condition and the validity of their wishes.

In 2023, the Supreme Court modified guidelines to simplify the process for passive euthanasia, making it less cumbersome for patients and families.

These modifications included streamlining the process of withdrawal of life support and reducing the involvement of government officials.

The guidelines mandate a structured process involving medical boards to assess the patient's condition and ensure informed consent from the patient or their designated representatives.

If a medical board denies permission to withdraw life support, the patient's family can appeal to the High Court, which will form a new board to reassess the case.