EXAMINING THE LEGALITY OF THE CONCEPT OF ACTIVE EUTHANASIA IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The legalization of Euthanasia has now become a hot topic for debate in various countries around the world. One of such reasoning behind such debates is that of the inherent right in every human to live - the Right to life. Thus, stating that if there exists such a right there must of necessity be a corresponding Right to die. This reasoning enforces the appropriateness of the concept of Active Euthanasia. The concept of Euthanasia has been divided into two categories: passive and active euthanasia. Passive euthanasia involves the removal of such equipment that sustain the life of an individual or the refusal to use such equipment or administer treatment to prolong the life of such individual. On the other hand, Active euthanasia involves the administration of a lethal dose to an individual with the intention to end the life of such individual. These two forms can either be non-voluntary or voluntary depending on the individual in question. The non -voluntary euthanasia is to the effect that the individual is in capable of making a decision and so it is made by others on their behalf. In contrast, the voluntary euthanasia is the choice made by the individual themselves, based on their direct intention or will. In Nigeria, the concept of Euthanasia is almost non-existent and our laws explicitly prohibit the intentional act of taking the life of another, classifying it as the offence of murder. This research work seeks to thoroughly examine and scrutinize the legal.