HIV-positive woman requests mercy killing

Hamirpur, July 31 (UNI) An HIV-positive woman has approached President A P J Abdul Kalam requesting mercy killing along with her infant daughter.

The woman, a resident of Kurara area here, allegedly got the virus from her husband Raju who died on January 19 after prolonged illness.

Raju, who was a teacher by profession, had ventured to Surat and Mumbai in search of better opportunities. However, he returned penniless and HIV positive, the woman claimed.

Untill Raju died, the family was not aware of his HIV status and his treatment caused a considerable drain on the family's already frail resources.

After his death, it was confirmed that Raju had Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

A medical test confirmed that Raju's widow was also HIV positive.

However, her daughter has tested negative.

Faced with penury, the woman has tried commiting suicide at least twice first by consuming sleeping pills and then by jumping in Betwa river on May 26. But, she was saved.

Now, she has approached the President to allow euthanasia in her case.

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