Assisted Suicide for People with Depression: An Advocate's Perspective

Abstract

Assisted suicide is a topical issue which has been brought to public attention recently through international cases and legislation. In particular, a recent case in the Netherlands concerning the assisted suicide of a depressed patient, and the pro assisted suicide legislation in Oregon, raise disturbing issues especially for advocates representing people with mental or terminal illness. The justifications for assisted suicide for both groups appear similar since both are vulnerable. Their vulnerability stems either from physical and emotional exhaustion caused by disease or mental distress and depression (J. Griffiths, 1994), which is often concomitant with physical disease (J. Billings, S. Block, 1994). Therefore, it is valuable to analyse the issues raised by assisted suicide for people with depression in either group. The arguments for assisted suicide are manifold, but the way in which society responds highlights inherent assumptions regarding the quality of life of people with depression. The limited rights and protections for people with mental disabilities in Britain emphasise the necessity for ethical inquiry and advocacy on behalf of these individuals. However, a conflict may arise for the advocate who opposes the ultimate outcome, death, yet values legal representation of the stated desires of the client.