Discussion Do you think they would ever criminalize suicide again?

[Forever Sleep]

In the UK, suicide was only decriminalized in 1961. So, only 63 years ago. Really not that long ago at all. I don't think the prison terms were all that long- maybe only up to 6 months from a quick Google search but- you'd end up with a criminal record presumably.

The police made it clear that my IC SN welfare check wouldn't be on a record employers could see but, I expect it's on my medical record. Maybe paranoia but, my dentist seemed a bit weird the kast time I was there, and they mentioned other things on my medical record, which I don't recall them doing before.

Do you know how long suicide has at least been legal in your country? (If it is.)

It's kind of unbelievable that it was considered a crime. That people had that to worry about on top of everything else. I suppose people still do to an extent though. The most peaceful methods like N, H, F are all illegal. Plus, a psyche stay is more or less forced imprisonment minus the criminal record.

Do you suppose things could revert? I suppose, if enough people killed themselves to start messing up the economy, maybe they would re-criminalize it. What do you think? Or, is it more likely to go the other way do you suppose? Will our governments be more tempted to use MAiD initiatives to get rid of 'undesirables'?

 

[Namelesa]

They will probably criminalize it again if too many happen just cus they think suicide is "bad" and want to prevent it at all costs. It would be funny if more countries gave the death penalty for suicide, maybe beneficial if the person was sure about wanting to die.

 

[Forever Sleep]

They will probably criminalize it again if too many happen just cus they think suicide is "bad" and want to prevent it at all costs. It would be funny if more countries gave the death penalty for suicide, maybe beneficial if the person was sure about wanting to die.

I've wondered that too- the death penalty for attempted suicide. I imagine that could actually increase the amount of attempts. Especially if the capital punisment method was relatively peaceful. Imagine- you could just lurk about a bit on a bridge, maybe climb over the barrier, get removed and given assisted suicide. I don't think it would work like that though. It likely wouldn't be so different to what happens now. A psyche ward stay, forced drugs plus, a criminal record.

 

[ijustwishtodie]

I doubt that it would be criminalised de jure ever again. The current way of how people approach suicide is, imo, far more effective at stopping suicides than if it were to be criminalised. Right now, people's mindset on suicidal people is that they are all irrational by default because anybody who doesn't want to stay alive for even one second longer than their natural death are irrational people who don't know what's in their best interests. At least if suicide were to be criminalised by law, you could try to argue for your case since you'd be taken to court but, in this case, you can't since you're automatically deemed irrational.

 

[Forever Sleep]

I doubt that it would be criminalised de jure ever again. The current way of how people approach suicide is, imo, far more effective at stopping suicides than if it were to be criminalised. Right now, people's mindset on suicidal people is that they are all irrational by default because anybody who doesn't want to stay alive for even one second longer than their natural death are irrational people who don't know what's in their best interests. At least if suicide were to be criminalised by law, you could try to argue for your case since you'd be taken to court but, in this case, you can't since you're automatically deemed irrational.

That's interesting. I'm not convinced that would happen though- being able to argue your case in court. I have a feeling they'd still cart you off to a psyche ward for assessment. Then, if you were still considered a risk to yourself, you'd be detained. Like now basically but, with the addition of a mark on your record.

I suspect that kind of thing might happen with assisted suicide though. As in- this is why I deserve to die your honour. With doctors etc. either giving or denying their support.

 

[nihilistic_dragon]

I think like most things, it's gonna be closely tied to politics. While the society as a whole is becoming more and more anti-religion - and the main reason suicide was originally criminalized was religion - certain political parties I think will have more problems with suicide than others. And if they gain power, they will push their anti-choice agenda.

 

[cloudyskye]

In the u.s. it's mostly decriminalization. It does vary on state as some still have old laws on the books technically. It's mostly the commonwealths. I feel like involuntary holds have taken the place as jail. In the name of "helping" or "for your own good". So while it may not be criminal anymore you're still punished.