[3rd Draft] Suicide Prevention Act

[Meekinos]

With the help of Manticore Reborn, we bring the latest draft the 3rd Draft to the table for review by the delegates. We welcome comments whether supportive or critical.

Suicide Prevention Act

Category: Social Justice
Strength: Mild

The World Assembly,

Acknowledging that Suicide is controversial issue and may not be in the best interests of the individual, their community or their nation;

Defines, for the purpose of this resolution, “Suicide” as the act of an individual choosing to end their own life for their own reasons when there is no medical necessity reason or cultural reason behind it;

Understanding that the termination of said life may cause grief and sorrow to the surviving family and friends in some cultures;

Believing that ritual suicide in some cultures should be the prerogative of the individual culture while unnecessary suicides prevented;

The World Assembly, hereby acknowledges that while suicide is ultimately the choice of the individual and that is impossible to outlaw; there is a need to reduce the rate at which individuals decide to commit Suicide;

In order to prevent Suicide, and reduce the rate thereof, it is hereby mandated that where the individual's Suicide is not influenced by either a medical reason or by cultural traditions:

1) Each member nation shall establish the following:
i) Outreach programs staffed by professional counselors, who in their impartial ability are able to provide non-judgmental guidance and support information to individuals who are contemplating Suicide
ii) A national educational campaign to erode external causes that may lead a person to commit suicide, such as but not limited to, bullying, domestic abuse, et cetera.

2) Each member nation shall empower its health care system - whether public or private - to:
i) Better address underlying psychological issues that may be associated with suicidal thoughts and tendencies by expanding neurological research.
ii) Support skilled professionals in the field of psychological and psychiatric medicine.

In member nations where ritual suicide is culturally acceptable, the individual shall be given a choice as to whether or not they wish to perform it. They shall be permitted counseling by a trained professional counselors on the matter as to the cultural significance and purpose of the suicide and allowed to understand and appreciate the act, if they so desire to seek such counseling.

Nothing in this act shall be construed as to limit the options available to prevent suicide, so long as the options employed reflect the spirit of this resolution in which the goal is to compassionately prevent suicide by providing the individual with care and support.

Further, nothing in this act shall limit a reasonable person, fully able to understand and appreciate the consequences of their choices, from performing the selfless act of self-sacrifice in good faith in order to save the lives of others should the situation merit such a choice.

Co-author Manticore Reborn

Suicide Prevention Act

Category: Social Justice
Strength: Mild

The World Assembly,

Acknowledging that suicide is universally defined as the act of a person choosing to end their own life for their own reasons;

Highlighting that suicide in this act refers to the ending of one's life when there is no medical necessity; medical reason or cultural reason behind it;

Understanding that the termination of said life may cause grief and sorrow to the surviving family and friends in some cultures;

Believing that ritual suicide in some cultures should be the prerogative of the individual culture while unnecessary suicides prevented;

This honourable body hereby acknowledges that while suicide is ultimately the choice of the person and that it is ultimately impossible as an act to outlaw; there is instead a need to reduce the rate at which individuals decide to end their own lives.

In order to prevent suicide and reduce the rate, it is hereby mandated that where the individual's suicide is not influenced by either a medical reason or by cultural traditions:

1) Each member nation shall establish the following:
i) An outreach programs staffed by professional counsellors, who in their impartial ability are able to provide non-judgmental guidance and support information to individuals who are contemplating ending their own life.
ii) A national educational campaign to erode external causes which may lead a person to commit suicide, i.e.: bullying, domestic abuse, et cetera.

2) Each member nation shall empower its health care system - whether public or private - to:
i) Better address underlying psychological issues that may be associated with suicidal thoughts and tendencies by expanding neurological research.
ii) Support skilled professionals in the field of psychological and psychiatric medicine.

In member nations where ritual suicide is culturally acceptable, the individual shall be given a choice as to whether or not they wish to perform it. They shall be permitted counselling by a trained medical professional on the matter as to the cultural significance and purpose of the suicide and allowed to understand and appreciate the act.

Nothing in this act shall be construed as to limit the options available to prevent suicide, so long as the options employed reflect the spirit of this resolution in which the goal is to compassionately prevent suicide by providing the individual with care and support.

Further, nothing in this act shall be limit reasonable person, fully able to understand and appreciate the consequences of their choices, from performing the selfless act of self-sacrifice in good faith in order to save the lives of others should the situation merit such a choice.

---

I have no intention of submitting this. I have simply written this as an alternative option to the repeal found here: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=65612

I am unsure if I would submit this, though I do want to try and make it a proper working copy. If I do get enough support from enough people before submitting; being at least a dozen delegates, I may submit this for a test run. It would take a lot to get it there.

My goal is to demonstrate that no repeal is needed in order to address the issue of suicide and that a second resolution can exist along side the other.

FYI -- word count is ~2,600, so there is wiggle room.

EDIT -- we have removed the original numbered clauses and replaced them with the clauses now included. We did so in order to better express the intent and goal of the proposal. The originals have been preserved for the delegates wishing to view them.

a) Each member nation establishes outreach programs staffed by professional counsellors, who in their impartial ability are able to provide non-judgmental guidance and support information to individuals who are contemplating ending their own life.

b) Each member nation educates its citizens on alternatives to suicide and provides information on existing outreach programs that will help those who feel helplessness and despair.

c) Each member nation expands its medical support to address underlying psychological issues that may be associated with suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

d) Each member nation establishes a campaign to erode external causes which may lead a person to commit suicide, i.e.: bullying, domestic abuse, et cetera.

[Nieuw Zeeland]

To Ambassador Antoniou,

The Theocracy of Nieuw Zeeland is in essence agreeing with this proposal, though we feel that it does not go far enough, and there are several minor issues, which we would be willing to go over, if the Ambassador is willing to submit this proposal (if not, our Delegate is not going to do the effort).

Despite the fact that there are several shortcomings in this proposal, they are able to be ironed out, and the slightly amended proposal would be acceptable enough for the Theocracy of Nieuw Zeeland to vote in favour of. This does not mean that the Theocracy of Nieuw Zeeland will cease its attempts to stop malicious influences such as lethal drug-selling companies, or individuals Assisting in Suicide. That is the part that would ideally be added to this proposal, since without the part, the proposal shall fail to succeed in its following goal:

Each member nation establishes a campaign to erode external causes which may lead a person to commit suicide, i.e.: bullying, domestic abuse, et cetera.

[Manticore Reborn]

We find this proposal much more palatable then the alternative offered by other emissaries to this body. However, the proposal does need to have an exception that cultures which have honorable suicide traditions. Education on suicide that would not fit with in their traditions (i.e. due to metal health issues, etc...) should be taught, but cultures should not have to educate its citizens on alternatives to what their customs has determined to be the correct and honorable path for them.

[Nieuw Zeeland]

We find this proposal much more palatable then the alternative offered by other emissaries to this body. However, the proposal does need to have an exception that cultures which have honorable suicide traditions. Education on suicide that would not fit with in their traditions (i.e. due to metal health issues, etc...) should be taught, but cultures should not have to educate its citizens on alternatives to what their customs has determined to be the correct and honorable path for them.

The Theocracy of Nieuw Zeeland disagrees with Manticore Reborn on the grounds that Suicide will ALWAYS, independently of culture/religion, instill grief with the relatives of the victim, despite the cultural acceptance of it.

[Manticore Reborn]

There is no need to do away with lethal drugs when the root causes are addressed. Psychological issues need to be explored and fully understood; external forces like bullying, whether physical or mental need to be addressed. There are other causes as well, but there is little reason to list them all. The most common are highlighted for the purpose of this.

If the root causes can be tackled then the existence of lethal substances becomes irrelevant. Individuals will not seek those substances out. There would be no reason to outlaw those, or any weapons used, etc. The idea is not to criminalize any elements but instead erode those elements through compassion, support and knowledge. It's better for the individual experiencing the anxiety and emotional distress leading to suicide to feel that there is someone there to stop him/her.

Doing away with those tools will simply lead to improvisation; any number of naturally occurring fungi or plants are certainly a good substitute. There are more tools one can use to kill themselves an imaginable. The only way to truly prevent it is to have them locked up, because even if the so-called "lethal drugs" are taken away, there are still other means. It is foolish to underestimate the resourcefulness of the individual willing to end their own lives.

Rather than taking away the tools, the idea is to educate, support and deter through compassionate means.

The ambassador from the Star Kingdom of Manticore rises in support of the elequantly stated opinon of the honorable observer from The Hellenic Republic of Meekinos.

We find this proposal much more palatable then the alternative offered by other emissaries to this body. However, the proposal does need to have an exception that cultures which have honorable suicide traditions. Education on suicide that would not fit with in their traditions (i.e. due to metal health issues, etc...) should be taught, but cultures should not have to educate its citizens on alternatives to what their customs has determined to be the correct and honorable path for them.

We omitted that for the first draft because we didn't know how to approach it. It is a delicate topic.

We certainly understand that the approach and language need to be done carefully as to not be too restrictive or too loose. The legal minds of the Star Kingdom of Manticore Reborn have been instructed to turn their thoughts in this direction and will hopefully be able to present a useful clause for this legislation.

The humble representative from the Kingdom of Manticore Reborn yields the floor.

[Meekinos]

We find this proposal much more palatable then the alternative offered by other emissaries to this body. However, the proposal does need to have an exception that cultures which have honorable suicide traditions. Education on suicide that would not fit with in their traditions (i.e. due to metal health issues, etc...) should be taught, but cultures should not have to educate its citizens on alternatives to what their customs has determined to be the correct and honorable path for them.

Even though this is simply an 'idea' style proposal, we have decided to include this. We have removed the mention in the section on grief, since it would likely not cause it if the cultural is steeled against such loss. We have included a clause to accommodate cultural differences while granting an individual the right to choose. The idea is that to prevent it and allow individuals the right to make their own informed choice.

[Manticore Reborn]

The Theocracy of Nieuw Zeeland disagrees with Manticore Reborn on the grounds that Suicide will ALWAYS, independently of culture/religion, instill grief with the relatives of the victim, despite the cultural acceptance of it.

Of course the death of a family member of friend will always be a cause for grief regardless if it is done via an honor suicide, depression suicide or getting hit by a lorry while crossing the street. However, in many cultures an honor suicide will erase misdeeds done by the offender that would otherwise cause grievous harm to their entire family.

[Meekinos]

The Theocracy of Nieuw Zeeland disagrees with Manticore Reborn on the grounds that Suicide will ALWAYS, independently of culture/religion, instill grief with the relatives of the victim, despite the cultural acceptance of it.

Of course the death of a family member of friend will always be a cause for grief regardless if it is done via an honor suicide, depression suicide or getting hit by a lorry while crossing the street. However, in many cultures an honor suicide will erase misdeeds done by the offender that would otherwise cause grievous harm to their entire family.

A very valid point. There will always be grief, it just may exist in a different way. As we said, it has been accounted for.

[Manticore Reborn]

The Star Kingdom of Manticore Reborn hereby states that this proposal is acceptable to our government and applaud the noble representative from The Hellenic Republic of Meekinos.

[Travidovia]

Who cares about these lost souls ! for a nation to exist and be powerful is to kill off the worst off citizens by fire Marshall.

[Meekinos]

Who cares about these lost souls ! for a nation to exist and be powerful is to kill off the worst off citizens by fire Marshall.

Exactly how is this relevant? The proposal's topic is the prevention of suicide, not whether or not the state decides to execute individuals.

[Manticore Reborn]

Who cares about these lost souls ! for a nation to exist and be powerful is to kill off the worst off citizens by fire Marshall.

Exactly how is this relevant? The proposal's topic is the prevention of suicide, not whether or not the state decides to execute individuals.

While echoing the call of the esteemed ambassaor from Meekinos, we would like to point out a short list of people who did commit suicide who the universe would probably be much better off it they hadn't:
Alan Turing
Vincent van Gogh
Bobbie E. Brown

[The Ainocran Embassy]

The Theocracy of Nieuw Zeeland disagrees with Manticore Reborn on the grounds that Suicide will ALWAYS, independently of culture/religion, instill grief with the relatives of the victim, despite the cultural acceptance of it.

Of course the death of a family member of friend will always be a cause for grief regardless if it is done via an honor suicide, depression suicide or getting hit by a lorry while crossing the street. However, in many cultures an honor suicide will erase misdeeds done by the offender that would otherwise cause grievous harm to their entire family.

oocly

there are some cultures that actually celebrate it. in ancient Japan is was an honor to die for the Emperor, and many warriors were happy to do so. the families were happy as well .

ICly

I find this proposal to be much better than the other since it does not attempt to repeal a fine law.
I would like to see an exemption for military personnel in certain situations. Let me give you an example from our Command Academy on Ainocra Prime to illustrate why.

Your ship is crippled in deep space, you can't repair it unless you sacrifice one of your officers to do so.
Ordering him to repair it would kill him, but he can repair it and save the lives of everyone else.
You order him to do so, He knows this means his death but does so anyway.

Technically suicide, something along the lines of a duty self sacrifice exemption.
Just a random thought

[Meekinos]

The Theocracy of Nieuw Zeeland disagrees with Manticore Reborn on the grounds that Suicide will ALWAYS, independently of culture/religion, instill grief with the relatives of the victim, despite the cultural acceptance of it.

Of course the death of a family member of friend will always be a cause for grief regardless if it is done via an honor suicide, depression suicide or getting hit by a lorry while crossing the street. However, in many cultures an honor suicide will erase misdeeds done by the offender that would otherwise cause grievous harm to their entire family.

oocly

there are some cultures that actually celebrate it. in ancient Japan is was an honor to die for the Emperor, and many warriors were happy to do so. the families were happy as well .

ICly

I find this proposal to be much better than the other since it does not attempt to repeal a fine law.
I would like to see an exemption for military personnel in certain situations. Let me give you an example from our Command Academy on Ainocra Prime to illustrate why.

Your ship is crippled in deep space, you can't repair it unless you sacrifice one of your officers to do so.
Ordering him to repair it would kill him, but he can repair it and save the lives of everyone else.
You order him to do so, He knows this means his death but does so anyway.

Technically suicide, something along the lines of a duty self sacrifice exemption.
Just a random thought

It is a valid point. He would have most likely be counselled on his options. It may also be viewed as part of the line of duty and that it is related to work more than suicide. Although they realise the risk to their lives, he wouldn't be killing himself in the standard sense of the word.

Remember ambassador, the goal of the proposal is not to prevent death but unnecessary suicides. Death is inevitable - provided of course we are not speaking of an immortal race since it is possible those exist - whether it is on purpose or by accident or simply because one has each the end of their mortal coil.

However, we will try and see if we can fit in an accommodation for such possible scenarios, but in more vague terms since a person may choose to sacrifice themselves for the good of others in different situations.

[Manticore Reborn]

oocly

there are some cultures that actually celebrate it. in ancient Japan is was an honor to die for the Emperor, and many warriors were happy to do so. the families were happy as well .

OOC: I'm sure this could be debated to no end. However, the point I was trying to get across was that the death of someone--celebrated or not--still caused grief in that the person was no longer alive.

[Philimbesi]

We congratulate the ambassador for writing a resolution that was able to achieve what we could not see in term of allowing 54 to stay in and still educating on Suicide. We ARE slightly alarmed by this clause.

In member nations where ritual suicide is culturally acceptable, the individual shall be given a choice as to whether or not they wish to perform it. They shall be permitted counselling by a trusted authority figure on the matter as to the cultural significance and purpose of the suicide and allowed to understand and appreciate the act.

Our point of order is who would the trusted authority figure be?

[Meekinos]

We congratulate the ambassador for writing a resolution that was able to achieve what we could not see in term of allowing 54 to stay in and still educating on Suicide. We ARE slightly alarmed by this clause.

In member nations where ritual suicide is culturally acceptable, the individual shall be given a choice as to whether or not they wish to perform it. They shall be permitted counselling by a trusted authority figure on the matter as to the cultural significance and purpose of the suicide and allowed to understand and appreciate the act.

Our point of order is who would the trusted authority figure be?

As our cultural does not condone suicide -- it is viewed as unprofitable -- it does not seek to prevent it. That said, we struggled with the wording. It was what came to mind. Does the ambassador have a better suggestion? We are willing to entertain ideas. For now, would "trained medical professional" suffice? The assumption being they would be aware of the nation's cultural practices.

[Philimbesi]

I can see how you might, especially in a culturally endorsed situation. Since the majority of peers will be telling the subject that they have to do it because its their culture, and forcing a "neutral" voice into the mix would distasteful to say the least.

[Meekinos]

I can see how you might, especially in a culturally endorsed situation. Since the majority of peers will be telling the subject that they have to do it because its their culture, and forcing a "neutral" voice into the mix would distasteful to say the least.

Yes it would. It is hard to please everyone. The best one can do is reach a compromise that is tolerable by all parties.

[Sanctaria]

This Ambassador can't see anything wrong with this proposal at a quick glance. However, we would warn the author that we are quite tired at the moment, up late doing paperwork, and that we reserve the right to come back at any time during the debate and review the proposal.

However, at the moment, after a quick glance, as I said, we support it as written.

Yours.,

[Meekinos]

This Ambassador can't see anything wrong with this proposal at a quick glance. However, we would warn the author that we are quite tired at the moment, up late doing paperwork, and that we reserve the right to come back at any time during the debate and review the proposal.

However, at the moment, after a quick glance, as I said, we support it as written.

Yours.,

We of course welcome your sober input when you are refreshed, ambassador. Do feel free to censure this after you review it again. We realise that this is not perfect.

[Meekinos]

We have re-read our draft and find ourselves thinking the title seems to be lacking...

Would any of the good ambassadors here have a better suggestion for a title? And for that matter, any suggestions on improving the text of the draft?

[Darenjo]

We have re-read our draft and find ourselves thinking the title seems to be lacking...

Would any of the good ambassadors here have a better suggestion for a title? And for that matter, any suggestions on improving the text of the draft?

Instead of "Suicide Prevention Act", how about something along the lines of "Counsel For The Suicidal"?

As for the text, we feel as this is the resolution NS needs to clear up much of the suicide "issue". I would feel better if you added something about those who choose suicide for medical reasons to the part about cultural/ritual suicide (i realize that's covered already but there are those who would use your proposal as written to overrule the previous one dealing with suicide)

[Meekinos]

We have re-read our draft and find ourselves thinking the title seems to be lacking...

Would any of the good ambassadors here have a better suggestion for a title? And for that matter, any suggestions on improving the text of the draft?

Instead of "Suicide Prevention Act", how about something along the lines of "Counsel For The Suicidal"?

We will be considering it.

As for the text, we feel as this is the resolution NS needs to clear up much of the suicide "issue". I would feel better if you added something about those who choose suicide for medical reasons to the part about cultural/ritual suicide (i realize that's covered already but there are those who would use your proposal as written to overrule the previous one dealing with suicide)

Medical reasons, that is assisted suicide/euthanasia is already covered under resolution #54: Dignified End of Life Choices. For that reason, our proposal has purposely omitted that element. We do not wish for this to overlap with a resolution that already covers the issue. As for the second, there is already an element for cultures which have it as an option. However, this primarily targets cases where there is no cultural reason or medical reason.

[Darenjo]

We have re-read our draft and find ourselves thinking the title seems to be lacking...

Would any of the good ambassadors here have a better suggestion for a title? And for that matter, any suggestions on improving the text of the draft?

Instead of "Suicide Prevention Act", how about something along the lines of "Counsel For The Suicidal"?

We will be considering it.

As for the text, we feel as this is the resolution NS needs to clear up much of the suicide "issue". I would feel better if you added something about those who choose suicide for medical reasons to the part about cultural/ritual suicide (i realize that's covered already but there are those who would use your proposal as written to overrule the previous one dealing with suicide)

Medical reasons, that is assisted suicide/euthanasia is already covered under resolution #54: Dignified End of Life Choices. For that reason, our proposal has purposely omitted that element. We do not wish for this to overlap with a resolution that already covers the issue. As for the second, there is already an element for cultures which have it as an option. However, this primarily targets cases where there is no cultural reason or medical reason.

Thank you. We would be happy to support this proposal.