Assisted Suicide: Experts Criticize One-Sidedness in Media Reports

Regarding the current handling of the assisted suicide of Niki Glattauer, author and media expert Golli Marboe sees "several things to review or question." He noted, for example, a lack of alternative perspectives to the conveyed "dignified" death.

This is a criticism shared by Thomas Niederkrotenthaler. "The story being told here portrays assisted suicide as essentially without alternative and above all as the only way to die with dignity," criticized the suicide researcher at the Center for Public Health at MedUni Vienna regarding the interview with Glattauer published on Tuesday. There are many examples where other ways have been found to die with dignity. Such examples can be found in the book "Gut gelaufen," in which palliative care physician Eva Masel reports on her daily work.

Reports and statements from palliative care or the hospice movement are also currently missed by Marboe, as he says in conversation with the APA. In quality journalism, the other side must also be heard, because fundamentally there is nothing against discussing the option of assisted suicide, nor would he reject this option. However, if it is offered as the solution, as in this case, then a "copycat effect" arises, according to the co-author of the 2021 "Guidelines for Reporting on Suicide" by the Crisis Intervention Center Association. Additionally, the current reporting may give the impression that there is a blanket answer to the substantial question of life and death.

Guidelines for Media Handling

The mentioned guidelines take a position on the media handling of assisted suicide and fundamentally state that the "same principles as generally in reporting on suicide" apply. Regarding reports on assisted suicide, it further states that if they describe it as an "understandable step and suitable solution," it carries the risk of "motivating other people in completely different life situations to imitate," as well as the risk of generating social pressure.

Niederkrotenthaler, also a co-author of the guidelines, identifies a possible ambivalence in the Glattauer case with the (desired by him, note) publication of the interview before the execution of the assisted suicide. This results in the potential problem of "closing a door" - namely regarding the possibility of revising this decision. Although there are no figures from Austria, as this path has only been legally regulated since 2022, in the US state of Oregon, where assisted suicide has been legalized since 1997, "46 percent of people do not take the lethal substance," according to the expert.

Marboe also criticized the "detailed description of the manner in which one takes their life" - an aspect that is generally seen as critical in suicide reporting and whose negative effect is also scientifically proven. Instead, the opposite of the "Werther Effect" should be conveyed - such as the fact that there are people "who consciously decide otherwise."

Avoid Monocausal Perspectives

This view also aligns with a recommendation from the Austrian Press Council, which anchored suicide reporting in its code of ethics in 2012. In 2022, it recommended, among other things, "including information in a suicide report on how a suicidal crisis can be overcome." This is a contribution to preventing at-risk individuals from committing suicide ("Papageno Effect"). Fundamentally, it is important to avoid a monocausal perspective on multicausal issues, Marboe demanded. Life is complex and diverse and offers different perspectives. And this is how one should approach the current case.

Niederkrotenthaler also noted that when it comes to assisted suicide in the media, relatives should not be forgotten - and their torn feelings between solidarity with the affected person and their wish to die, and their own wish for another possibility. Here, it is important to draw attention to special support offers, such as those offered by the Crisis Intervention Center Vienna.

Assisted Suicide Possible Since 2022

Assisted suicide, as utilized by the author Niki Glattauer, has only been legally possible in Austria since 2022. The law became necessary following a decision by the Constitutional Court (VfGH). Active euthanasia remains prohibited. Figures from the Ministry of Health show that not everyone who receives a so-called death disposition actually ends their life in this way.

Vienna. In 2025, according to the "Standard" citing the Ministry of Health, 200 death dispositions were established in Austria. Since the beginning of the new regulation, there have been 772. Figures from recent years show: Less than 50 percent are likely not to actually carry out assisted suicide. As of a year ago, about 181 cases were known. In contrast, there were 481 death dispositions. The medication was actually dispensed 398 times, and 52 substances were returned.

In December 2020, the VfGH, upon request from two seriously ill individuals, declared provisions of the Penal Code regarding assistance in suicide as unconstitutional. The black-green government responded with the Death Disposition Act (StVfG). Those who wish to end their life can, under certain conditions, establish a death disposition.

Incurable Disease Requirement

To apply for a death disposition, the affected person must suffer from an incurable, life-ending disease or a severe, permanent illness with persistent symptoms. The consequences of such a disease must permanently impair the affected person in their entire way of life, and the disease must bring about a state of suffering that cannot be otherwise averted.

The death disposition, valid for one year, can only be established in writing by a notary or an employee of a patient advocacy group, after a briefing by two doctors who independently confirm that the person wishing to die is capable of making decisions and has made a free and self-determined decision.

Three-Month Waiting Period

After the briefing, there is a waiting period of three months before the death disposition can be established. This is to ensure that the affected person is not merely in a temporary crisis phase. For people who are expected to live only a very short time, the period is shortened to two weeks. The lethal preparation must be picked up at the pharmacy. It is sodium pentobarbital, which is also used in Switzerland and is taken orally dissolved in water.

The ongoing difficulties with the relatively new legal situation are shown by persistent criticism from the medical profession, pharmacies, and nursing homes. Additionally, regulations repeatedly end up before the VfGH, most recently due to the ongoing prohibition of "participation in suicide." Recently, the Ombudsman Board highlighted a case where police and rescue forces attempted to resuscitate a woman despite an active death disposition.

Support services for people with suicidal thoughts and their relatives are offered by the suicide prevention portal of the Ministry of Health. Contact details of support facilities in Austria can be found at www.suizid-praevention.gv.at. Information for young people is available at www.bittelebe.at. Crisis Intervention Center Vienna: https://kriseninterventionszentrum.at/- Guide at: https://go.apa.at/j97Ug2EY.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.