Heart patient appeals for euthanasia

ASKA: Driven by abject poverty and unbearable pain, a bed-ridden woman in Ganjam district has appealed for euthanasia.Jhunu Behera (38), a resident of K Barida village and a mother of four, has sought permission from the President and the Odisha Governor for euthanasia.“Instead of causing trouble to other members of my family, I want to die,” she said in her letter sent recently to the President.“At least ` 5 lakh is required to replace the damaged valves of her heart.It is impossible for the family to arrange such a huge amount as her husband is a daily labourer,” said Abhiram Pradhan, brother of the patient.“She dashed off the letters on October 28 to the President and the Governor seeking permission to die,” Pradhan said.“Even though the Governor and the President’s offices acknowledged receipt of the letters, there was no reply,” he added.