Examining Euthanasia through the Lenses of Nigerian and Islamic Laws

Abstract

The right to life is the most fundamental of all human rights. But, while the sanctity of life is globally protected, there is no global consensus on the right to die. Despite the fact that every human being would prefer to die in a painless and dignified manner, many legal systems do not permit a person to choose when and how to die. Euthanasia is the exercise of one’s right to end his life as he chooses. Euthanasia is fraught with cumbersome medico-legal, religious, and ethical issues, that weigh upon both the patient who desires to die a dignified death, and the physician who may be called upon to actualize this end. But this method to a painless death is illegal under Islamic law and Nigerian law. Employing doctrinal methodology, this paper examined the concept of euthanasia, drawing from Nigerian law and Islamic law, as well as related medico-ethical issues. The conclusion is that the debate on the legality of euthanasia would continue, as it is influenced by complex moral and ethical considerations. Although in a few clear cases, patient autonomy favoring passive euthanasia would appear to be implicitly accepted, yet biomedical technology for hospice and palliative care is key to ensuring dignified lives at end-of-life situations