The current legal framework for assisted suicide

Background: In 2020, the German Federal Constitutional Court overturned 217 of the criminal code und emphasized the right for self-determined dying and the right for assistance with suicide. Recently, two bills aiming to regulate suicide assistance were rejected by the German parliament and a proposal for a law on suicide prevention was supported. Current situation: Reactions to the voting in parliament were diverse and it is currently unclear whether there will be a timely law on assisted suicide. The German Ministry of Health is currently working on a national strategy for suicide prevention. People with advanced disease and at the end of life as well as multimorbid elderly persons, persons in life crises, and those with psychiatric illness express death wishes and also wishes for suicide assistance. The motives are manifold, ranging from physical and psychological symptoms to existential suffering and anxiety because of future burden and loss of control. It is important to take deathwishes and wishes for suicide assistance seriously and view them as a symptom of need rather than a call for action. Reasons for and triggers of death wishes should be explored in a continuous communication process and opportunities for support based on the individual situation should be evaluated. This includes hospice and palliative care as well as social, psychological, and psychotherapeutic support. To empower professionals in dealing with wishes for death and assisted suicide, special training concepts have been developed. Conclusion: Suicide assistance is not prohibited in Germany. However, the individuals concerned should primarily receive support for their needs.