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What Right to Die?
Author(s) -
Weber Walter M.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1111/j.1943-278x.1988.tb00152.x
Subject(s) - right to die , liability , intervention (counseling) , psychology , homicide , assisted suicide , constitutional right , law , civil rights , political science , suicide prevention , medicine , psychiatry , poison control , medical emergency , supreme court
This letter first discusses two meanings of a “right to die.” In the popular sense, the term refers to a right to refuse life‐sustaining treatment. In the strict sense, the term signifies an affirmative right to obtain death—a right to suicide. The letter then explores the legal implications of a suicide right. This right would extend to competent adults, mature minors, and probably also incompetent persons. Counselors would have to inform clients of the suicide option. Intervention to prevent suicide could trigger civil liability. Suicidal intentions would not justify involuntary commitment. Consent would become a defense to homicide.