Download document: Download the guidance as a PDF
855.8 kb - PDF
We are aware of the sensitivities associated with reporting on assisted dying, assisted suicide and euthanasia and the potential impact media coverage can have on people who may be vulnerable.
If you are reporting on assisted dying, assisted suicide or euthanasia, please bear in mind the following specific guidance:
- It can be helpful to include a content warning at the beginning of a piece covering suicide – this allows those who may be vulnerable to make an informed choice on the suitability of the content.
- Providing details or descriptions of suicide methods has been linked to increases in suicide rates and shown to influence vulnerable people to imitate suicidal behaviour.
- Avoid portraying anything that is easy to imitate, for example where the materials or ingredients involved are readily available – this includes images of substances which may be used for assisted dying, and websites or forums promoting suicidal behaviour.
- Suicide should never be presented as quick, easy, painless or effective.
- Aim for a balanced, sensitive piece – focusing on the issue/debate.
- Moderating online comments is recommended.
- If covering suicide, it is appropriate to signpost to sources of support, this can encourage people to seek help if the contents or content has triggered difficult feelings. Options include:
Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone. Call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org for more information.
Hub of Hope is a UK mental health support database provided by national mental health charity Chasing the Stigma. People can find support within their local area by entering their address or postcode www.hubofhope.co.uk
Marie Curie offers support to those dying from terminal illness and a bereavement service for those caring for someone with a terminal illness. Telephone: 0800 090 2309 email: support@mariecurie.org.uk or visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Definitions
Assisted dying occurs when someone gives assistance to someone who is terminally ill with less than six months to live to help end their life. It is called assisted dying as it involves assisting the person who is terminally ill to hasten their own death. The act that kills them is performed by the person themselves.
Assisted suicide occurs when someone gives assistance to another person to help end their life and the act that kills them is performed by the person themselves. Assisted suicide covers anyone who ends their life in this way, no matter the reasons why they ended their life – which can be anything from physical disability to emotional distress.
Euthanasia occurs when someone ends another person’s life with the motive of ending their suffering. This may be at the person’s request, or the person may be incapable of making the request. Unlike assisted suicide or assisted dying, the act that ends the person’s life is performed by another person.
How Samaritans can help you
Samaritans’ media advice team is available to support journalists and to answer questions relating to reporting suicide at: mediaadvice@samaritans.org