H.B. Karibasamma (78), a retired teacher, who had petitioned the Karnataka High Court to allow her to “die with dignity” back in 1998, said the Supreme Court’s landmark judgement allowing an individual to draft a living will is a commendable step in the right direction.

Ms. Karibasamma, who stays in an old-age home for women in Davanagere, is probably the first person from the State to campaign for euthanasia. “I was suffering from multiple health problems including diabetes, arthritis, muscular cramps and a slipped disc from 1995. While I was battling these problems, I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I have none to take care of me and I am surviving on pension,” she told The Hindu.

Ms. Karibasamma has appealed to many including the then President of India Abdul Kalam and former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee, seeking their support. “I have again written to the Prime Minister and Supreme Court on December 20 last year,” she said.

She called for a strict screening mechanism for euthanasia to avoid misused. “A team of retired officials including a retired judge and retired deputy commissioner should approve the patient’s will only if the doctor also certifies that he/she is terminally ill. Every citizen has a right to die with dignity,” she added.