Is Suicide Illegal?

Suicide Laws By
Country
Discussing suicide legislation is a tricky subject because suicide itself is a very
polarizing topic. There are typically people that believe it is wrong to commit suicide
because the act is inherently selfish and leaves the victims family (or survivors) to deal
with distress. Additionally some view the act of killing oneself as being sinful or
against a certain set of religious beliefs. Then there are individuals who believe that
everyone should have the freedom to commit suicide and take their own life if they are
living in a constant state of pain and suffering. Typically the individuals that are pro-
choice on the topic of suicide are people that understand what its like to deal with the
everyday pain of a chronic illness or they have seen someone they know struggle with a
certain disease or illness. In most cases, the causes of suicide are related to depression.
In 90% of cases, it was found that the person who ended up committing suicide did so
as a result of untreated depression. In most assisted-suicides, people are simply trying
to help alleviate another person of chronic suffering associated with terminal illnesses.
Although most people do not consider the legality of suicide, failed attempts and/or
assistance in the process could get you into legal trouble.

Is suicide illegal?
In many places throughout the world, attempting suicide or even following through with
the act is considered a crime. So how can suicide possibly be illegal if you are dead, how
are you still affected by law? In the event that someone commits suicide, (in some cases)
the persons property can be seized by the government and bills for treatment of the
corpse can be sent to the persons survivors or living family members.

Additionally in some countries (e.g. North Korea), a surviving family may be ostracized
by the government. It should also be noted that in some countries, if you attempt suicide
and fail, you could be criminalized. Most legal repercussions have been created out of
religion. For example, in many religions, the act is viewed as being offensive or a sin.

Is assisted suicide illegal?

In many countries it is also a crime to assist others, whether it be directly or indirectly

with the act of suicide. In some cases even encouraging the act of suicide is viewed as a
crime. Only under strict legal conditions is assisted suicide approved and usually this
involves an experienced physician.
Suicide Laws: By Country
Below are laws related to the act of suicide as well as assisted-suicide throughout
various countries.

United States: In the past, many states had laws that regarded the act of suicide as a
felony, but these laws were seldom enforced. In the 1980s, 30 out of 50 United States
has no laws opposing suicide or attempting suicide. With that said, all 50 states had laws
stating that assisted suicide is a felony. Currently there is no law against the act of
committing suicide in the United States.

In some cases though, suicide is considered common law crime unless the victim can
be proven to have been of unsound mind. Most lawsuits regarding suicide happen
when the person is under supervision of a jail or hospital and the victims family sues
these institutions for negligence. Physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill is legal
in Oregon and Washington.

In cases of physician-assisted suicide, the patient must have less than 6 months to live,
be of sound mind, make a request vocally and on paper, have it approved by multiple
physicians, and then wait 15 days, followed by another request. In the state of California,
all medical facilities are required to send all suicidal people in for evaluation and
treatment.

Australia: In the state of Victoria, suicide itself is not considered a crime. However if a
suicide pact is made and one party survives, they could be charged with manslaughter.
Additionally it is a crime to assist others in suicide and the law allows others to use whatever
force deemed necessary to prevent another person from committing suicide.
Belgium: In 2002, the Euthanasia Act made euthanasia legal, but assisted suicide
was deemed illegal. In 2006, changes were made to euthanasia law making it legal under
certain regulations. These conditions included: patient must be an adult and in futile
medical condition with physical or mental suffering that cannot be remedied. Patients
must also have a long-standing history with the physician that plans on being part of the
process. Additionally there must be several requests that are reviewed by a commission and
approved by multiple physicians before the act can take place.
Canada: In 1972, the act of suicide was removed as being a criminal action. In 1993, a
law was created that prohibited any form of assisted suicide. There has been some
controversy in recent years surrounding the ban of physician-assisted suicide. Many
disabled individuals feel as though they should have a right to assisted suicide under
Canadian law. Additionally anyone who compels or entices a person to commit suicide is
subject to criminal penalty regardless of whether the individual carries through with the act.
In 2014, physician-assisted suicide became legal only in the province of Quebec.
China: Any form of assisted-suicide, including with assistance from a physician is
considered illegal in China. Many individuals have protested this law and demanded some
sort of change as a result of the pain and suffering associated with terminal illnesses.
Colombia: In this country, physician-assisted suicide is considered legal for terminally
ill patients. This law was taken to court, but upheld with a 6 to 3 ruling. Although physician-
 assisted suicide is legal here, there arent any specific rules or regulations for physicians and
patients to follow.
Denmark: Assisted-suicide of all forms is considered illegal and is viewed as a
manslaughter crime. This is punishable of up to 3 years in prison.
England: All laws against suicide were kept in place until 1961. They were originally
thought to be offensive to God and the Crown of the country. With the passing of the Suicide
Act in 1961, suicide was no longer considered a crime. However, this act states that it is
considered an offense to assist in a suicide. It is thought that the assisted suicide laws in this
country may be revised.
Estonia: The act of suicide is legal here as well as assisted-suicide.
Finland: There is nothing in Finnish criminal law regarding assisted-suicide. In the
event that assisted-suicide is rightfully justified, no action is taken against the assistant.
Finnish physicians are not known to partake in assisted-suicide or euthanasia.
France: All forms of assisted-suicide are considered illegal in France and anyone aiding
in a suicide can be arrested. In 2013 it was stated that the country will be holding a debate
on the issue, and many polls demonstrate overwhelming support in support of an assisted-
suicide law. France also has a ban on all suicide-related publications.
Germany: Suicide itself is considered legal in this country. Assisting with a suicide by
providing materials is also considered legal here. However, killing someone to satisfy their
demands is illegal. Encouraging another person to commit suicide is viewed as irrelevant in
this country. Only when a suicidal person is not acting out of free will (i.e. manipulated
will) is assistance punishable as a homicide. The person is not believed to have free will
when: under 14, dealing with mental illness, or acting as result of an emergency. It should
also be noted that if someone assists in suicide, and the person who wants to die is still alive
(unconscious), they must make an effort to save the person or it could be viewed as a
criminal offense. Additionally people who are in positions of warrantor such as: doctors,
police officers, parents, etc. are responsible for making efforts to prevent suicides. If they do
not make these efforts, they could be charged with homicide by omission.
Hungary: This country has among the highest rates of suicide in the world. Assisted-
suicide or attempted suicide carries a punishment of imprisonment for up to 5 years.
Euthanasia by physicians is also regarded as an illegal activity.
Iceland: Assisted-suicide is illegal in this country and there is no desire to change these
laws.
India: Any attempted suicide in this country is punishable by law. If a person attempts
to commit suicide here, they can be punished with imprisonment of up to 1 year as well as
fines. Since the suicide rate in India is above average compared to other countries, many
citizens are pushing for changes in legislation.
Ireland: In this country, any attempted suicide is not considered a criminal offense.
Under Irish legislation, any form of self-harm is not considered a suicide attempt. Suicide
was revoked from illegal status in this country in 1993. Assisted suicide and euthanasia are
illegal, but residents are fighting this legislation.
Japan: Committing suicide is considered illegal, but it is not punishable. Assisted-
suicide is considered illegal and anyone found assisting in suicide can be legally punished.
There have been instances in which Japan approved medical voluntary euthanasia, but these
cases are few and far between, and must be approved by a high court.
Luxembourg: Suicide itself is considered legal and assisted-suicide was made legal in
2009. Despite that fact, people can be legally penalized for not assisting someone else in
danger. Euthanasia, however, is considered illegal in his country.
Netherlands: In the Netherlands, it is acceptable to be present and provide moral
support during someones suicide. Supplying suicide information regarding techniques is
also not illegal. With that said, it is considered a crime to participate in the preparation of a
 persons execution. This means that you are not allowed to supply any suicide supplies (e.g.
substance or tools) or give instructions as to how they can be used. Physician-assisted
suicide is not punishable if the physician uses proper care and the Termination of Life on
Request and Assisted Suicide Act from 2002. Physicians involved in assisted-suicide are
required to report euthanasia to review committees.
New Zealand: This country has no laws against the act of suicide in the event that it is
non-assisted (i.e. personal). Euthanasia is considered illegal here, despite that multiple
attempts to pass legislation supporting it. Under the New Zealand Crimes Act of 1961, it is
illegal to assist someone with suicide.
North Korea: This is a country in which suicide rates are considerably lower than
average. It is thought that the reason suicide rates are low is due to the burden suicide would
have on a persons family. It is thought that if someone commits suicide, it is possible for the
government to purge or ostracize the rest of that persons family and relatives. In this
country there is strict social pressure and an unforgiving nature surrounding suicide.
Norway: Attempting or committing suicide is not illegal in this country.
Romania: In this country, the act of suicide is legal. However if you assist someone in
suicide by encouraging them or helping set it up, this is considered a criminal offense. In the
event that you assist in a suicide, you could face up to 10 years in prison.
Russia: Anyone who is suicidal can be put into a psychiatric hospital in this country. In
Russia, if you encourage someone to commit suicide by humiliating them, treating them
cruelly, or by making threats, you could end up in prison for up to 5 years. Federal law in
this country requires censoring information about suicide and methods on the internet.
Even websites that contain suicide jokes are censored in Russia. The rate of teenage suicides
in this country is 3x greater than the world average.
Scotland: If someone commits suicide by themselves, it is not considered a criminal
offense. In some cases, committing suicide may be considered a breach of the peace if it is
not done privately. Under Scottish law, any individual who assists another in the act of
suicide could be charged with murder, homicide, or nothing depending on the case.
Singapore: Anyone who even attempts suicide can be sent to prison for up to a full
year.
South Africa: Attempting or committing suicide is not considered a crime in this
country. From 1886 to 1968 it was illegal, but this legislation no longer stands. Assisted-
suicide is still illegal in this country, but there is some thought that it may eventually be
legalized.
Switzerland: Assisted-suicide is considered legal in this country, but there are specific
rules that must be followed. By law, if a person encourages (or requests) someone to commit
suicide for selfish reasons or assists them in the process, whether successful or attempted,
the person who provoked the suicide can be imprisoned for up to 5 years. To avoid this
sentence, a person must prove that the victim was of sound mind and that they were
assisting with good intentions to help relieve suffering. This is the only country that allows
foreigners to take advantage of assisted-suicide laws.

Suicide Debate: Should suicide be

illegal? What about assisted-suicide?
If you have some thoughts to share on the legality of suicide or assisted-suicide in a
particular country or in general, feel free to post in the comments section below.
Everyone has different opinions as to whether people should have the freedom to take
their own life or whether they should be required to live it out. Some would argue that
assisted-suicide for people with treatment-resistant severe mental illness should be
considered legal, what do you think?

I tend to lean towards the current legislation in place regarding assisted suicide for the
terminally ill. People with severe diseases that have less than 6 months to live as-is
should be allowed to end their life on their own terms if suffering is unbearable. At the
end of the day, evaluating how much pain and suffering a person is in is completely
subjective. You never really know how a certain ailment, illness, disease, or disorder is
affecting someones life and how much someone is struggling.

Many people think that the act of suicide is selfish because it really devastates the
victims family and other survivors. However, on the other side of the coin, others would
argue that it is selfish for others to force someone to stay alive with their level of
suffering. What do you think about current laws? Should they be changed?