Many people have strong beliefs about whether a person should have the right to die when they choose—to end a person’s own perceived pain and suffering, especially when they are terminally ill. These beliefs are often rooted in religion, morals, ethics, law (government-made and natural), and spirituality. Depending on a person’s beliefs or point of view, the issue and related laws may also be referred to as death with dignity, assisted suicide, aid in dying, physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, end of life options, and patient choice and control at the end of life.

Currently eight states and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) have laws (statutes) that permit persons to choose when to end their lives under certain circumstances. These states include (1) California, (2) Colorado, (3) Hawaii, (4) Maine, (5) New Jersey, (6) Oregon, (7) Vermont, and (8) Washington. And although the state of Montana does not have such a statute its supreme court has ruled that nothing in the state’s law prohibits a physician from honoring a terminally ill but mentally competent patient’s request to prescribe medication to expedite the patient’s death. In states without such laws a physician or other person’s act of assisting a person with suicide is generally subject to criminal prosecution for murder or other criminal charges.

In Tennessee, the practice of assisted suicide, including any form of euthanasia or aid in dying, is illegal. The state does not have a Death with Dignity statute or similar legislation that allows terminally ill patients to end their lives with the assistance of a physician or any other person. Assisting someone with suicide can lead to criminal prosecution under Tennessee law. The state's stance on this issue is consistent with its laws that prioritize the preservation of life and the prohibition of any actions that would intentionally cause death. Individuals, including physicians, who participate in such acts may face serious legal consequences, including charges of murder or manslaughter. It is important for residents of Tennessee to understand that, unlike the eight states and the District of Columbia where certain forms of assisted suicide are legal under specific circumstances, Tennessee maintains a strict prohibition on these practices.