TeenHealthFX - Answers - Why Is It Illegal To Kill Yourself?

Suicide / Question
Published: September 15, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Why is it illegal to kill yourself? Why can't someone have full control over there own life?

Signed: Why Is It Illegal To Kill Yourself?

Dear Why Is It Illegal To Kill Yourself?,

In the United States it is not illegal to commit suicide. None of the fifty states have laws which make suicide illegal, and no federal laws currently exists that prohibits suicide. Where laws do exist around suicide in the U.S. has more to do with prevention. For example, the police have a right to place a person in protective custody in order to prevent suicide. And people in certain professions – for example teacher, physicians, mental health professionals – are considered “mandatory reporters” meaning that they are obligated to inform the proper people if they have information that someone is contemplating or planning to commit suicide so that preventative measures can be taken. Any big debates or controversies about the legalities of suicide in this country have more to do with the various forms of assisted suicide in terms of whether or not the person assisting in the suicide should be prosecuted and, if so, to what extent.

As far as the positions people taken on suicide, there are other considerations besides legalities. For example, there are various religions that view suicide as a sin – participants of these specific religious organizations often believe that by committing suicide a person will not be able to take advantage of the benefits or rewards in afterlife. There are also moral and ethical beliefs that many take into consideration. When a person commits suicide, that person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, extended family, friends, colleagues, schoolmates, and anyone else in their lives will go through a tremendous amount of grief, sadness, and pain. So an ethical question comes up for some that as much as person may want to end their own pain or hurt, is it moral to do something that will knowingly create so much pain for those around them.

As for people having full control over their lives, the fact is that they do. Everything is a choice – such as how hard to work in school, what career to pick, whether to get married or have kids, whether to abide by or break the law, and whether to take care of yourself or harm yourself. Everything is a choice, but the thing to remember is that whatever choices people make will have certain consequences for them, as well as for the people around them. As far as suicide, if I person truly wants to end their life, the fact is that they will find a way to do it. If someone attempts suicide or reports that they have been thinking about suicide, people intervene in the situation, and the person ends up not trying to harm themselves – it is not because they had no choice in the matter, but rather because the bigger part of them that actually wanted to live chose to use the help and the interventions of others (even if they weren’t aware of or verbalizing this want at the time).

FX is unsure what is making you ask about this – whether you are simply philosophizing about the idea, feeling like certain aspects of your life are out of your control, or you are actually contemplating suicide. If you are feeling a loss of control in certain areas of your life or are contemplating suicide, FX strongly encourages you to reach out for help. Speak with a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, extended family member, school counselor, or whomever else, about having a consultation with a mental health professional as soon as possible so that you can get some help, support, and guidance with whatever you are going through.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

If you get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Signed: TeenHealthFX