The trauma of a 64-year-old woman looking after a son in a debilitated state for almost 15 years is quite understandable (“Woman turns to court for mercy killing of son,” Feb. 9).
The trauma has already claimed the life of Lakshmamma's husband, which must have obviously added to her agony. The woman's act of approaching the court, seeking permission to put an end to her son's life, must be more traumatic for her than the agony of the past so many years.
The nation has a big role to play. It should help by providing free medical care to the son and material assistance to the mother, so that the unfortunate woman can be assured that living in the world is worthier than death for her son. Surely, the court will not allow her to end her son's life, as it is against the law. It should take the lead and order the State to provide the best alternative to the distressed woman.
S. Irudaya Selvaraj,
Chennai
