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This article is from the Suicide FAQ, by Graham Stoney greyham@research.canon.com.au with numerous contributions by others.

14. But don't people have the right to kill themselves if they want to?

Each of us is responsible for our own actions and life choices. In a
sense then, an individual may have the right to do as they wish with
their life, including to end it if they so desire. Western societies
in particular tend to emphasise individual rights over communal rights
and responsibilities.

However, every person exists as part of a larger network of
relationships of various types which set the context in which an
individual's rights and responsibilities exist. People who feel
lonely, isolated, distressed and hopeless about their future can find
it extremely difficult to recognise supportive relationships which may
exist around them. This often causes them to grossly underestimate
both the degree of support which could be gained from those around
them, and the impact that their suicide would have should they
complete it.


Discussions regarding rights can become emotive, particularly when
there is a conflict between individual and communal rights and
responsibilities. For example, people who have been emotionally
devastated by the suicide of someone close to them could equally
assert their right to not devastated by someone else's suicide. It
should be reiterated however that a person contemplating suicide is
more likely to need understanding than a lecture on their
responsibilities to other people.

Ultimately, helping people to deal with their problems better, see
their options more clearly, make better choices for themselves and
avoid choices that they would otherwise regret empowers people with
their rights rather than taking their rights away.


Footnotes: 1. "Hearing the cry: Suicide Prevention", Appleby and
Condonis, 1990.
ISBN 0-646-02395-0

 

Continue to:

• prev: 13. Hang on; isn't it illegal though? Doesn't that stop people?
• Index
• next: 15. Crisis And Suicide Prevention Resources

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