How Assisted Suicide Fuels Suicide Contagion in Our Vulnerable Communities
Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) was introduced as a “compassionate” end-of-life option in New Hampshire, but growing evidence suggests it has had unintended and devastating consequences—especially for our most vulnerable populations. Rather than being an isolated medical decision, MAID has contributed to a troubling increase in suicide contagion, particularly among individuals with disabilities, mental health struggles, and chronic illnesses.
The Link Between MAID and Suicide Contagion
Suicide contagion—the phenomenon in which exposure to suicide increases suicidal behavior in others—is well-documented in public health research. Policies that normalize assisted suicide as a ‘solution’ to suffering send a dangerous message to those already struggling with mental health challenges, trauma, and feelings of despair.
Studies have shown that in areas where MAID has been legalized, suicide rates among non-terminally ill individuals have increased. The reason is simple: if the state endorses the idea that some lives are not worth living, it creates a ripple effect—suggesting that suffering is an acceptable reason to end one’s life rather than seek help and support.
Who Is at Risk?
While MAID was originally promoted as an option for those with terminal illnesses, it can soon expand far beyond its original scope. The populations most at risk of being influenced by suicide contagion include:
People with Disabilities: Individuals with disabilities already face systemic biases and a lack of adequate support. When MAID is presented as a reasonable choice for those struggling with physical limitations, it reinforces the idea that disability equates to a life not worth living.
Veterans and Trauma Survivors: Many veterans live with PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Suicide prevention efforts have been a top priority for veteran advocacy groups, yet MAID undermines these efforts by promoting death as a viable solution to suffering.
People with Chronic Illnesses: MAID laws have steadily expanded to include those with non-terminal conditions, making those with treatable but challenging illnesses feel like burdens rather than individuals worthy of continued care and support.
The Working Poor and Disadvantage Communities: It may harm vulnerable groups unable to access medical treatments and social supports - as death becomes a medical option in a system that discriminates against many.
Teens and Young Adults Struggling with Mental Health: In a world where youth suicide rates are already alarmingly high, legalized assisted suicide creates a cultural shift that weakens suicide prevention efforts and reinforces hopelessness.
Transgender Youth: Data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with the highest in transgender youth.
The Impact on Suicide Prevention Efforts
For years, public health experts, mental health advocates, and suicide prevention organizations have worked to destigmatize mental health struggles and encourage treatment. MAID directly contradicts this effort by legitimizing the idea that certain lives are expendable.
Instead of expanding access to end-of-life measures, we should be prioritizing palliative care, mental health resources, and long-term support for those experiencing suffering.
A Call to Action
If we truly care about protecting our most vulnerable populations, we must reject policies that promote suicide under the guise of compassion. MAID sends the wrong message—one that destabilizes suicide prevention efforts and increases the risk of contagion.
📢 What We Can Do:
Advocate for better mental health care and suicide prevention resources instead of policies that enable self-harm.
Push for stronger safeguards against abuse and coercion in end-of-life laws.
Educate policymakers on the dangerous effects of suicide contagion and how MAID undermines prevention strategies.
Support life-affirming care, including palliative and disability support services, to ensure that those struggling feel valued and supported.
We cannot allow legalized assisted suicide to create a society where suffering equals disposability. Every life deserves dignity, care, and hope—regardless of disability, illness, or hardship. It’s time to prioritize support over suicide.