Suicide Websites Come Under Attack

OTTAWA, July 2, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A man came home to find his 21-year-old wife hanging dead by the neck from a dog-leash after reading detailed suicide instructions on the Internet, says a feature in Newsweek’s June 30 issue. The young woman had been in mourning over her grandmother’s death—but her family blames the availability of Internet “advice” that “should not be allowed.”  Supporters of such websites “have an almost evangelical fervour,” Newsweek says, quoting an Ottawa woman whose son committed suicide. “It’s about the validation, the unconditional acceptance,” says Maxine, who “says she’s glad [sic] her son was able to find a community to help him through his pain.”  Alex Schadenberg, executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, says the sites prey on “vulnerable people.” He added, “It is clear that these suicide websites are designed to prey on those experiencing depression or mental illness. [The sites] are a prime example of why we need to strengthen our laws protecting vulnerable people rather than ignore or weaken our current laws.”  To read the Newsweek feature:  https://www.msnbc.com/news/928869.asp?cp1=1#BODY