AN ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE CONCEPT OF EUTHANASIA VIS-À-VIS THE FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT TO LIFE IN NIGERIA

The respect for human lives is one of the settled questions of fundamental human right in all legal jurisprudence globally. The right of a person to life is globally recognized even in the most primitive setting. This basis upon which this right rests is on the sacredness attached to human lives. However, the question of euthanasia, otherwise known as mercy killing, erupts difficult human right questions and an avalanche of ethical issues to be addressed. Therefore, generally, there have been repulsive attitudes towards euthanasia in major legal regimes who criminalizes euthanasia. However, the development of human rights and the possibility of prolonging life with the assistance of technologies have led to the recognition and acceptance of Euthanasia in such countries as Belgium, Netherlands, etc. This poses a difficult question of whether there exists a right to die in the Nigerian legal jurisprudence and, whether this should form part of fundamental human rights. In other words, is it legally correct, and ethically justiciable to keep people alive where critical health conditions demands otherwise? This research work seeks to amplify the fundamental right to life in Nigerian legal system and also expose the concept of euthanasia. The researcher shall attempt a concrete comparative study between the two contrasting concepts of euthanasia and right to life and seek to strike a convenient balance which sustains the sanctity and regard to the fundamental right to life. The researcher intends to achieve the objectives of this study by adopting a doctrinal research methodology which places premium on library research. Finally, the work shall recommend the development of human rights in Nigeria to feature euthanasia.