Minnesota’s Assisted Suicide Statute

Mr. Melchert-Dinkel, a licensed practical nurse from Minnesota, faces charges for two counts of aiding suicide. His obsession with death and suicide led him to create an internet alias and give troubled people information about methods of suicide. He also encouraged some people, telling them that it was ok to let go and that things would be better in heaven. He even entered into suicide pacts with others.

Many states have laws that ban assisted suicide, but the laws are unclear regarding those who “assist” by simply providing knowledge or promoting suicide. How can we assign levels of culpability to someone who encourages those who are already contemplating suicide?

Minnesota’s anti-assisted suicide law applies to “whoever intentionally advises, encourages, or assists” another in committing suicide, and is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It is unclear whether or not the court will find that this language encompasses Mr. Melchert-Dinkel’s actions.

See Monica Davey, Online Talk, Suicides and a Thorny Court Case, N.Y. Times, May 13, 2010.