First insights into suicide assistance: Doctors report from practice!

First insights into suicide assistance: Doctors report from practice!

Bergen auf Rügen, Deutschland - In Germany, assisted suicide has been legal since 2020, which results in a significant rethinking in society and healthcare. Today the first results of the report and learning system "Inquiries and practice regarding assistance in suicide" were presented that [Ärzteblatt] (https://www.aerzteblatt.de/news/erste-informations-zum-zum-wärchen-nach-suicassist- fb783041-293-4c27-870c8911d2ed). The research network was initiated for suicide assistance in October 2024 and enjoys supporting the German Research Foundation.

The present data come from the first evaluation of 133 cases in which doctors documented anonymously experience with inquiries about suicide assistance. The results show that the majority of reporters can imagine making suicide assistance under certain conditions. The inquiries are usually over 70 years old and suffer from chronic diseases, often from cancer or other serious suffering. The most pressing concern of the patient is often the concern for the loss of their self -determination.

The reality of suicide assistance

In 22 of the 133 cases treated, suicide assistance was actually done - in 17 cases this was done by the infusion of a anesthetic. A total of simple planned support remained in 18 cases of suicide assistance and there was no assistance in 46 situations, although an inquiry was made. In three quarters of cases, doctors were involved in the examination of the freedom of freedom of the suicide request, which shows how seriously these decisions are treated.

However, the topic remains controversial. In 2023, over 400 people in Germany claimed suicide, and yet doctors were convicted in various cases if they helped with suicide - for example in Berlin and Essen. The legal framework remains uncertain, since the Bundestag voted in 2023 about two draft laws to regulate suicide assistance, but was not reached.

legislative need for action

The discussion about the legal framework for suicide assistance is still running. The DGVT emphasizes the need for a clear, gradual procedure, which includes the advice, assessment and documentation of suicide wishes. While some experts such as psychiatrist Thomas Pollmächer are calling for a fixed procedure, the Federal Medical Association does not see the assistance in suicide as a medical task.

The draft laws differ greatly: While the group Castellucci (SPD) strives for a criminal regulation, the groups of Künast (Bündnis 90/The Greens) and Helling-Plahr (FDP) reject them and use the right to die on self-determined. It remains questionable who will be responsible for the future regulation and how the situation could develop.

suicide prevention and support

Despite the uncertainties in the regulation of suicide assistance, the need for support and education remains high. Numerous contact points offer free help with thoughts of suicide. Affected people can contact emergency call 112 or in the telephone counseling at 0800/1110111. A suicide prevention law, which was accepted in the Bundestag with over 99% approval, is to be implemented by June 30, 2024 and aim to promote and support suicide -preventive offers.