In the case of Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug v. Union of India, the Indian Supreme Court ruled in favor of and authorized the practice of passive euthanasia for patients who are suffering from PVS and terminal illnesses. The study emphasizes on neurological diseases as a group of ailments that are generally under-researched and can contribute to demands for physician assisted death or passive euthanasia. This raises important questionsnot only for the discipline of neurology but also for the debate surrounding physician-assisted suicide/death as well.How should one treat neurological illnesses that cause disability but do not always cause pain in this context, considering that physician-assisted suicide is frequently used for patients whose ailments cause them excruciating suffering? Patients may not always appear to have a realistic view of the likely progression of their illness. It would appear to be important to do more research that takes into consideration the intricate social environment in which patients make decisions regarding euthanasia or physicianassisted suicide/death.

Passive Euthanasia, Die with Dignity, Neurology