{"id":374484,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:46","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-euthanasia-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:50:46","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:50:46","slug":"missouri-euthanasia-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-euthanasia-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Euthanasia Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Missouri Euthanasia Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\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

Missouri Euthanasia Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\n

Euthanasia, often referred to as a "mercy killing," is a very controversial issue that often comes into conflict with medical ethics. Euthanasia<\/a> involves the taking of someone’s life — with their permission — who no longer wants to live, often because of a terminal illness. Very few states allow any kind of mercy killing, including physician-assisted suicide, but most states allow for the withdrawal of artificial life support systems.<\/p>\n

While Missouri law does not permit euthanasia, the state does allow for the removal of life support in certain instances. Generally, this requires permission from the patient (see Living Wills: Introduction<\/a>) as carried out by an individual with a durable power of attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What are the Penalties for Euthanasia in Missouri?<\/h2>\n

Under Missouri statute, "knowingly assist[ing] another in the commission of self-murder" is charged as voluntary manslaughter, a class B felony. Penalties upon conviction range from five to 15 years.<\/p>\n

The following chart highlights Missouri’s euthanasia laws (or lack thereof), with links to related matters. See FindLaw’s Patient Rights<\/a> section to learn more.<\/p>\n\n
Code Section<\/td>\n404.845; 459.055<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Euthanasia Condoned in Statutes?<\/td>\nEuthanasia or mercy killing is not condoned or authorized by Missouri law, nor does it permit any affirmative or deliberate act or omission to shorten or end life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Effect of Withholding of Life-Sustaining Procedures<\/td>\nWhen patient’s death results from withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in accordance with a durable power of attorney, the death shall not constitute a suicide or homicide for any purpose.<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State laws are constantly changing — contact a Missouri health care attorney<\/a> or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

General Overview of Euthanasia Laws<\/h2>\n

Euthanasia remains illegal in most states for a couple of reasons. First of all, it is a very controversial subject that has been tied to the anti-abortion debate. But it also comes into conflict with physicians’ duties as healers. Proponents of euthanasia believe it is a human rights issue to be able to control your own mortality and to avoid serious pain in the absence of a likely recovery. The argument over mercy killing became national news when Dr. Jack Kevorkian introduced more humane methods of helping people end their lives.<\/p>\n

Research the Law<\/h2>\n