Right to die

The right to die is a concept rooted in the belief that individuals have the autonomy to make fundamental decisions about their own lives, including the choice to end them or undergo voluntary euthanasia, central to the broader notion of health freedom. This right is often associated with cases involving terminal illnesses or incurable pain, where assisted suicide provides an option for individuals to exercise control over their suffering and dignity. The debate surrounding the right to die frequently centers on the question of whether this decision should rest solely with the individual or involve external authorities, highlighting broader tensions between personal freedom and societal or legal restrictions. Religious views on the matter vary significantly, with some traditions such as Hinduism (Prayopavesa) and Jainism (Santhara), permitting non-violent forms of voluntary death, while others, including Catholicism, Islam, and Judaism, consider suicide a moral transgression.