No money to take care, Andhra widow seeks euthanasia for son

Forced by lack of financial resources, a 64-year-old widow in Andhra Pradesh has sought mercy killing for her son who has been paralyzed for the last 15 years.

Lakshmamma approached the Chittoor district court on Monday to file a petition seeking euthanasia for her 36-year-old son C Janardhan.

Janardhan was paralysed in an accident in Bengaluru while applying for a visa to go to Australia after he was offered a job in 1997.

"I don't know who will take care of him after my death. I can't see him suffer any longer. If my son gets mercy killing, I can die in peace," Lakshmamma said in her petition.

Janardhan, who has a degree in aeronautical engineering, is being taken care by Lakshmamma's meager earnings as an agricultural labourer. Lakshmamma and her husband used all their savings and even sold their one-acre plot to pay their son's hospital bills.

Meanwhile, responding to the petition, the court Monday said terminating life due to financial constraints was "unacceptable".

"No one has a right to take a life. We are still premature to accept euthanasia," the court said.

While admitting the petition, the court also questioned the district collector and health department for not extending medical help.

Those willing to donate to the family can send a cheque in the name of:
K Lakshmamma or K Janardhan (Joint account holders)
A/C No 037010011024577
Andhra Bank
Burma Street, 14-26-1, CTM Road
Madanapalli, Chittoor district
Andhra Pradesh 517325