Nebraska Euthanasia Laws

Like taxes, death is unavoidable — but the vast majority of U.S. states don’t allow individuals the means to end their lives on their own terms when faced with a painful or crippling terminal illness. Intentionally taking someone’s life (with their blessing) in order to end their suffering, referred to as euthanasia, is illegal in all states. However, a handful of states have legalized physician-assisted suicide under so-called "death with dignity" laws. In states that allow the practice, a doctor may prescribe lethal drugs that allow the patient to die at the time and place of their own choosing, without pain.

Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide in Nebraska: The Basics

If you actively participate in the euthanasia of another individual or aid that person’s suicide in any way, the state of Nebraska will charge you with a Class IV felony. But while the state provides no means with which to decisively end one’s life, patients may choose to decline artificial respiration, feeding tubes, or other life-preserving procedures. Usually, the patient will indicate his or her end-of-life preferences in a living will.

Additional details of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia laws in Nebraska are listed below.

Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time through the enactment of new statutes, passage of ballot initiatives, decisions from higher courts, and other means. You should contact a Nebraska health care attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Research the Law

• Nebraska Law
  
• Official State Codes – Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.

Nebraska Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide Laws: Related Resources

• Patient Rights
• Is It Against the Law to Help Someone Else Commit Suicide?
• Nebraska Durable Power of Attorney Law
• Nebraska Living Will Law
  
• Find a Health Care Law Attorney