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 Colorado, aiding another person in committing suicide is considered a criminal offense. Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-3-104, it is a class 4 felony for a person to knowingly and intentionally provide assistance to another person in committing or attempting to commit suicide. This law reflects the state's position against assisted suicide, distinguishing it from the state's End-of-Life Options Act, which allows terminally ill adults to request and self-administer prescribed medical aid-in-dying medication. It is important to note that the End-of-Life Options Act has specific eligibility criteria and procedural safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure voluntary decision-making. Outside of these provisions, any other form of assistance in suicide remains illegal and subject to criminal prosecution in Colorado.