1960s
Prior to 1961, committing or attempting to commit suicide was illegal in the United Kingdom. However, Suicide Act 1961 was passed by Parliament, decriminalizing suicide, so those who had failed in their suicide attempts would no longer be prosecuted. This allowed individuals more control over the rights of their bodies, but it did not support any second-party suicide assistance. Under this Act, it is still illegal to aid or abet another person in taking his or her own life, and anyone who does so could face a maximum of fourteen years in prison.
Back in the United States of America, the Model Penal Code was developed by the American Law Institute (ALI) in 1962. Its purpose was to assist legislatures in standardizing the penal law of the country. The importance of this document to those wishing to end their lives is the intended avoidance of suicide being considered within the realm of homicide, as it previously was. Similar to the U.K.'s Suicide Act 1961, assisting others in committing suicide, no matter the reasoning, is illegal and punishable by law.
As the awareness of right-to-die issues grew in the 1960s, the laws surrounding this issue would not decriminalize any assisted suicide action or attempt. It would not be until years later that assisted suicide or euthanasia would become legal once again.
Check out the history in the 1970s
Back in the United States of America, the Model Penal Code was developed by the American Law Institute (ALI) in 1962. Its purpose was to assist legislatures in standardizing the penal law of the country. The importance of this document to those wishing to end their lives is the intended avoidance of suicide being considered within the realm of homicide, as it previously was. Similar to the U.K.'s Suicide Act 1961, assisting others in committing suicide, no matter the reasoning, is illegal and punishable by law.
As the awareness of right-to-die issues grew in the 1960s, the laws surrounding this issue would not decriminalize any assisted suicide action or attempt. It would not be until years later that assisted suicide or euthanasia would become legal once again.
Check out the history in the 1970s
Body
_ In
“Body,” the history and issues of Gender Identity Disorder are summarized.
Mind
_In “Mind,” the history and issues associated with the use of antidepressants are summarized.
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