'I want to die with dignity'

Fight till death: Karibasamma is suffering from slip disc and the condition
is causing the fibrous ring of the spine to tear. Pic/Satish Badiger

H B Karibasamma, a 70-year-old retired school teacher and a native of Davangere, had filed the petition at the High Court in October last year seeking a right to die.

According to doctors, she is suffering from slip disc and the condition is causing the fibrous ring of the spine to tear. The tear in the disc ring results in release of inflammatory chemical mediators, which is causing excruciating pain for the past 11 years.

To add to her problems, she is a diabetic. Owing to her age and health condition, all the doctors she has consulted have resorted to non-surgical treatment. Besides, Karibasamma can't cope with her medical expenses on her pension. Thus, she has approached the court with the request.

Pramila Nesargi, advocate representing Karibasamma, said that the High Court admitted the petition and issued notices to the state government seeking a medical assessment report.

"Since the Supreme Court has allowed passive euthanasia, I am certain the court will give fair ruling here as well," Nesargi said. On several occasions Karibasamma thought of suicide to escape her agony and suffering, but being a law-abiding citizen, she decided against it.

"She then decided to seek permission from the government to grant her the right to a medically assisted death, as she does not want her decision to be termed as a cowardly act. All she wants is to die with dignity, Nesargi told MiD DAY.

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