- #1
lockecole
- 26
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If you do not succeed, would it be right to be judged guilty for trying to kill the baby? Why?
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What if you try to suicide while pregnant?
- Thread starter lockecole
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the implications and legal considerations of suicide attempts by pregnant women. It explores the mental health aspects, societal perceptions, and potential legal repercussions of such actions, touching on themes of judgment, support, and women's rights.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question whether a failed suicide attempt during pregnancy should be judged as an attempt to harm the fetus, raising ethical concerns about guilt and judgment.
- One participant notes that studies suggest pregnant women have a lower risk of suicide compared to non-pregnant women, emphasizing the need for support rather than punishment for those who are suicidal.
- Another viewpoint suggests that the high rate of murder among pregnant women complicates the discussion, as it raises questions about the legal treatment of pregnant women in relation to their fetuses.
- Concerns are raised about the potential for laws to limit women's rights if suicide attempts during pregnancy were to be classified as attempted murder.
- Participants express uncertainty about existing laws regarding the prosecution of pregnant women who attempt suicide, with some doubting that such charges would be pursued.
- There is a suggestion that the interpretation of laws may depend on societal views regarding the fetus, indicating a complex intersection of legal and moral considerations.
- One participant mentions that typically, suicide attempts do not lead to legal consequences unless there are claims of insanity involved.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
The discussion reflects multiple competing views regarding the legal and ethical implications of suicide attempts by pregnant women. There is no consensus on whether such actions should be treated as criminal or as a mental health issue requiring intervention.
Contextual Notes
Participants acknowledge the complexity of the legal landscape surrounding this topic, particularly in relation to differing views on fetal rights and women's autonomy. There is also an indication that societal perceptions of mental health and pregnancy play a significant role in the discussion.
- #2
Kerrie
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Interesting topic 
I am pregnant myself.
According to the following link, a study concluded that women were at much lower risk for suicide while pregnant then those who were not. I would imagine that the risk would significanly increase once the baby is born (post-partum depression can be ugly). What the mother needs if she is suicidal while pregnant is help, not judgement and punishment.
Lower risk of suicide during pregnancy
I am pregnant myself.According to the following link, a study concluded that women were at much lower risk for suicide while pregnant then those who were not. I would imagine that the risk would significanly increase once the baby is born (post-partum depression can be ugly). What the mother needs if she is suicidal while pregnant is help, not judgement and punishment.
Lower risk of suicide during pregnancy
- #3
Dayle Record
- 317
- 2
Maybe they would be just trying to beat the murderer to the punch? Since the number one cause of death in pregnant women is murder.
Under current law, people are tried for murdering viable fetuses, as long as they are in someone else. I don't know about women who are carrying them, since the option of abortion is available to women, at least in early pregnancy.
It would seem just another step to limit the rights of women, if that were legislated to be a murder attempt. I just watched The Sea Inside, which deals with assisted suicide for terminally ill or hopelessly incapacitated individuals, who wish for death.
Mentally ill women, get pregnant all the time, it isn't against the law to be mentally ill, or pregnant if you are. It isn't against the law to be suicidal, only if you are successful. That is kind of like legislating against rain on Sunday.
Under current law, people are tried for murdering viable fetuses, as long as they are in someone else. I don't know about women who are carrying them, since the option of abortion is available to women, at least in early pregnancy.
It would seem just another step to limit the rights of women, if that were legislated to be a murder attempt. I just watched The Sea Inside, which deals with assisted suicide for terminally ill or hopelessly incapacitated individuals, who wish for death.
Mentally ill women, get pregnant all the time, it isn't against the law to be mentally ill, or pregnant if you are. It isn't against the law to be suicidal, only if you are successful. That is kind of like legislating against rain on Sunday.
- #4
Kerrie
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Dayle Record said:
While this is a true fact, the actual numbers of pregnant women dying from murder is really low compared to the number of unpregnant women murdered. The recent deaths of pregnant women-Laci P., Lori H., Bobbie Jo S. and the most heartbreaking to me, Lisa Underwood and her son Jayden have made huge media headlines lately. This has prompted more of an awareness of domestic abuse that so many are unaware of.
- #5
loseyourname
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Haven't found anything on the books regarding whether or not a pregant suicide attempt can be charged with attempted murder (though I highly doubt it).
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- #6
Francis M
- 120
- 1
loseyourname said:
That would vary depending on what the views of people interpreting/making the law are towards the fetus (that sticky pro life/pro choice subject).
I highly doubt it also, for the reason that whatever the view of the law makers is towards the fetus/baby they'd at least (I hope) determine that the person attemting the suicide needs some kind of intervention/help not punishment.
- #7
TsunamiJoe
- 162
- 0
usualy when you attempt suicide anyway you arent sent to court, unless your trying to say you arent insane