US EditionLetter From the Editor: When Advice Columns Deal with Matters of Life and Death
- A 2019 project called "Breaking the Silence" united Oregon newsrooms to highlight the state's suicide epidemic and its impact on readers and letter writers.
- The project arose from concerns that many suicides go unreported and news organizations worry about a contagion effect increasing suicide risk after coverage of high-profile deaths.
- A letter addressed to Thomas came from an elderly individual experiencing housing instability and economic hardship, who described their suicide plans in detail and requested guidance on what to include in their final message.
- Thomas shared hope and resources, encouraged calling crisis line 988, and emphasized that having a plan is a severe warning sign, while expressing deep concern over the writer's fate.
- The column highlighted the challenges of offering advice on life-and-death issues while maintaining clear boundaries between support and treatment during this tragic public health crisis.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Rapporteur of the bill on the right to assist in dying, currently under consideration in the National Assembly, the Member of Parliament for Charente-Maritime wants to be confident, but remains cautious.
After years of debate, the French parliament has voted to legalize assisted suicide. Patients who suffer unbearably and have no prospects will be given the right to administer a means of dying to themselves. The measure is part of a law on euthanasia that is currently being considered by the French parliament. The proposal on assisted suicide was adopted by 75 votes to 41. An earlier version of the law stated that a doctor would also be allowed …
Letter from the Editor: When advice columns deal with matters of life and death
What was most troubling to us was the fact the writer went into detail about how they planned to end their life. Despite empathy from Thomas, the fate of the writer was unknown by column’s end, potentially leaving a message of hopelessness.
MEPs approved on Saturday the creation of a 'right to help die' and re-established the principle that patients should self-administer the lethal substance, except when they are unable to do so.
The end-of-life bill reached a new stage this Saturday in the Assembly. MPs adopted an article creating a right to help die, and re-established the principle of self-administration of lethal substance. - End of life: MPs approve the creation of a right to help die (Policy).
On Saturday, MPs approved the creation of a "right to assist in dying" and re-established the principle that patients should self-administer the lethal substance, except when they are unable to do so.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
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