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In a case that shocked the nation, Michelle Carter was charged for encouraging her boyfriend's suicide via text. People still have questions — and opinions.
Most states have laws against aiding a suicide or assisted suicide. These laws are usually found in the state’s statutes, and sometimes in the state’s court opinions or case law (common law). The severity level of these crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies.
In California, aiding or assisting in a suicide is illegal under California Penal Code Section 401, which makes it a felony to deliberately aid, advise, or encourage another person to commit suicide. The law does not distinguish between physically assisting in the act of suicide and providing advice or encouragement; both are considered criminal offenses. However, California has the End of Life Option Act, which allows terminally ill patients to request and self-administer aid-in-dying medication prescribed by a physician, under specific conditions. This act provides a legal framework for medically assisted death but is strictly regulated to ensure it is not confused with unlawful assisted suicide. Violations of the law against aiding a suicide can result in severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.