Abstract
In Western countries the general rule is that caregivers do everything possible to prevent suicide. The aim of this essay is to critically reflect on that position along three questions: is there an unconditional obligation to live, how far does the duty reach to safeguard life, and how does one deal with the tension between suicide prevention and euthanasia? The study material consists of Christian theological and ethical literature and relevant legislation, while the method is a religious ethical reflection, clarified by means of a case study. We consider suicide as an expression of an existential search for meaning and interwoven with psychiatric problems. After discussing the three ethical arguments against suicide, we conclude that the inviolability of life is a generally recognized and fundamental value, but that there is no unconditional obligation to live. Nevertheless, there is a legal duty to safeguard life. In practice however, restriction of freedom and coercion are counterproductive in the search for meaning and require a proportional assessment between inviolability of life and autonomy. Finally, the legal possibility of euthanasia in mental suffering or medically assisted suicide brings caregivers in a confusing situation. Good companionship of the euthanasia request may help finding a new life perspective and hence may contribute to suicide prevention.
Highlights
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in our society and is often associated with psychiatric problems (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 2015)
The results and discussion of our essay are structured along the three questions: is there an unconditional obligation to live, how far does the duty reach to safeguard life and how to deal with the tension between suicide prevention and euthanasia? Before we tackle these questions, we clarify our view on suicide
This is a challenge for many people with psychiatric problems. They question, in an outspoken or unspoken way, the meaning of their life. Why has this mental suffering befallen me? What have I done wrong? What have I made of my life? Who am I ? How can I live on with this mental suffering? How can I live with others?
Summary
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in our society and is often associated with psychiatric problems (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 2015). Especially caregivers, are regularly confronted with people with psychiatric problems who have suicidal ideations, attempt or enact suicide. The general rule is that these caregivers must do everything in their power to prevent enactment. This position is based on the traditional, philosophical and religious rejection of suicide and is anchored in the laws of Western countries that oblige caregivers to prevent suicide. The aim of the present essay is to reflect critically on this mainstream position that condemns suicide and obliges caregivers to prevent suicide.
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