Euthanize My 6 Children Suffering from a Rare Genetic Disorder: Father to Indian Prez

A 42-year-old father from Agra, India, has decided to write to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking euthanasia for his six of eight children, aged between 8 to 18 years, who are suffering from a rare neurological disease called Canavan. Canavan is a disease wherein the growth of children is developmentally delayed and over time the patient suffers seizures and becomes paralyzed.

Mohd Nazir, said, "In 2-3 years my children will no longer be able to walk. I am tired of taking care of my children. I’m a normal sweet shop owner, there’s only so much I can do for them. That is when I decided to write to the President of India, pleading euthanasia for my children."

“My kids want a normal life. They want to be a part of festivities too but because of their condition, they can’t,” said Tabassum, who has lost all hope.

Six children - five sons and a daughter suffer from canavan. Only their eldest son and youngest daughter are leading normal lives. 

Nazir’s plea for euthanasia does not fall under the Supreme Court in 2011, which regulated passive euthanasia which allows withdrawal of life-prolonging medical treatment for the terminally ill patients.

"If not euthanasia, I would request the President to give me financial assistance for the treatment of my children," said Nazir.

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Rajesh Srivastava, Additional District Magistrate of Agra, said, "CMO officials did visit the family. They are getting their Aadhar card and BPL card made and will soon give them the required help."

Source-Medindia