Which one of the following has legalised euthanasia?
A
Texas in the USA
B
Northern Territory in Australia
C
Quebec in Canada
D
Maharashtra in India
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. Euthanasia refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering.
2. In 1995, the Northern Territory in Australia passed the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act, which briefly legalised physician-assisted suicide (euthanasia) under specific circumstances.
3. This law came into effect in 1996 but was overturned by the Australian federal parliament in 1997.
4. At the time this question was likely set (around 1996), the Northern Territory was the notable jurisdiction that had taken this step, even if temporary.
5. Euthanasia laws vary greatly worldwide and within countries like the USA (state-dependent, e.g., Oregon's Death with Dignity Act came later) and Canada (legalised later). Euthanasia is not legal in India (passive euthanasia is permitted under strict conditions following Supreme Court guidelines, but active euthanasia is illegal).