Indiana Laws on Assisted Suicide

Indiana Code Sections 35-42-1-2 and 35-42-1-2.5

IC 35-42-1-2

Causing suicide

Sec. 2. A person who intentionally causes another human being, by force, duress, or deception, to commit suicide commits causing suicide, a Level 3 felony.

IC 35-42-1-2.5

Assisting suicide

Sec. 2.5. (a) This section does not apply to the following:

(1) A licensed health care provider who administers, prescribes, or dispenses medications or procedures to relieve a person’s pain or discomfort, even if the medication or procedure may hasten or increase the risk of death, unless such medications or procedures are intended to cause death.

(2) The withholding or withdrawing of medical treatment or life-prolonging procedures by a licensed health care provider, including pursuant to IC 16-36-4 (living wills and life-prolonging procedures), IC 16-36-1 (health care consent), or IC 30-5 (power of attorney).

(b) A person who has knowledge that another person intends to commit or attempt to commit suicide and who intentionally does either of the following commits assisting suicide, a Level 5 felony:

(1) Provides the physical means by which the other person attempts or commits suicide.

(2) Participates in a physical act by which the other person attempts or commits suicide.

Source: Indiana General Assembly, “Indiana Code,” www.in.gov (accessed Dec. 11, 2016)