{"id":355821,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/is-it-against-the-law-to-help-someone-else-commit-suicide.html"},"modified":"2026-08-12T15:46:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T20:46:00","slug":"is-it-against-the-law-to-help-someone-else-commit-suicide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/is-it-against-the-law-to-help-someone-else-commit-suicide.html","title":{"rendered":"Is Assisting With Suicide a Crime?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Is Assisting With Suicide a Crime?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Assisting with suicide is a crime in most states unless it falls under tightly regulated “death with dignity” laws that allow eligible, terminally ill adults to self\u2011administer prescribed medication. These laws differ from euthanasia because the patient\u2014not another person\u2014must take the final action that ends their life. States that permit physician\u2011assisted suicide require strict safeguards to ensure the patient\u2019s decision is voluntary, informed, and free from coercion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

There are many reasons why someone would want to end their life. These reasons range from severe depression to terminal illness. Suicide is the\u00a0tenth leading cause of death<\/a>\u00a0in the United States. While there are treatment options available for people with depression, what are the options for those who aren’t expected to live much longer or are suffering extraordinary pain?<\/p>\n

If a loved one decides they want to end their life because of a terminal disease, is assisting with their suicide a crime? If you’re not a licensed physician, then assisting someone with suicide is most definitely a crime. However, some states have\u00a0enacted “right to die” or “death with dignity” laws.<\/a>\u00a0In these states, eligible patients may self-administer a lethal dose of medication to end their life.<\/p>\n

It is important to note the difference between physician-assisted suicide<\/a> (PAS) and euthanasia, otherwise known as mercy killing. Euthanasia involves the primary participation of a third party. In contrast, assisted suicide requires that the patient is the primary agent when committing suicide.<\/p>\n

This article explains the legal safeguards for assisted suicide, including what it means to assist someone with ending their life. It also looks at the policy reasons for its prohibition in most jurisdictions. You can also talk to an attorney near you<\/a> for legal advice tailored to your situation and state laws.<\/p>\n

What Is Assisted Suicide?<\/h2>\n

Every state has a different definition of assisted suicide. Some states do not actually define it in their state laws. Generally, someone assists with suicide when they:<\/p>\n