Bill Overview
Title: Stop Online Suicide Assistance Forums Act
Description: This bill establishes a new federal criminal offense for using the mail or interstate communication to intentionally assist another individual in taking that individual's own life. The bill imposes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both—for an offense results in death. The bill provides that any action taken in accordance with state laws governing physician-assisted end of life shall not constitute an offense.
Sponsors: Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals using or operating suicide assistance forums
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill focuses on targeting individuals who may be operating or engaging with online forums that assist in suicide, thus its direct impact is on those participating in such forums.
- While the direct criminal penalties target forum operators, individuals at risk of suicide may also be impacted as they are the users affected by the availability of such materials.
- The bill is meant to disrupt online communication regarding suicide assistance, which implies it could impact populations with higher internet usage.
- Globally, mental health issues and suicide affect millions, suggesting a broad potential reach for the bill.
- In many countries, access to mental health resources is limited, making online communication crucial, thus a global audience accessing these forums may feel the impact.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a specific segment of people—those who may be operating or engaging with online suicide assistance forums, which constitutes a small yet sensitive subset of the population. Given the policy's scope and the existing legal protections for physician-assisted end-of-life procedures, the direct impact will largely fall on operators of unsanctioned online forums and their users.
- Budget allowance suggests a high priority with considerable enforcement measures, but its financial scope indicates practical limits to enforcement reach—likely focusing on high-traffic forums.
- Those at risk for suicide who might participate in these forums could see a change in the availability of these resources. However, state-sanctioned channels remain unaffected, which suggests minimal impact on legally assisted end-of-life patients.
- The interviews capture various demographics (age, gender, occupation) to reflect both typical users of such forums and members of the broader population who might be indirectly affected.
- By including individuals who are not easily impacted, we ensure understanding of societal perspectives on the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Student (California)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often seek support from online communities—they help me feel less alone when struggling with mental health issues.
- I'm concerned this policy might limit access to communities that provide real-time support, even if indirectly related to the policy's target.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
IT professional (Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see an issue unless you're using these forums unlawfully and irresponsibly.
- It worries me that innocent forums might come under scrutiny due to increased regulation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Psychologist (New York)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any measures to prevent suicide are positive, but I worry about cutting off all communication.
- We need more mental health resources, not just restriction of harmful ones.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Software Developer (Texas)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been in a dark place before, and those forums were vital to me even when they aren't about encouragement.
- I'm concerned it will be harder to find support if all forums are targeted.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Retired nurse (Oregon)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important to have clear distinctions because I'm in a state where physician-assisted options are legal.
- I support the bill if it prevents unsupervised assistance, but fear broader internet restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
High school teacher (Ohio)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about my students and the unregulated sources they might encounter online.
- Hopefully, this will make dangerous sites less accessible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Graphic Designer (Nevada)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I partake in discussions that sometimes brush upon sensitive topics, and it's important we don't lose that support.
- Legislation should encourage healthier online spaces, not just shut them down.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Homemaker (Alabama)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My community work means more mental health awareness, and I see value in policies like this.
- We need more support systems in place if forums close.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College student (Illinois)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.5 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel like this could reduce harmful sites, but where do people go to talk instead?
- I'm hopeful for increased awareness and better alternatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 10 |
Retired librarian (Washington)
Age: 71 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's hard to know what young people face online—any policy for safety is okay by me.
- Hope this doesn't overreach into benign online activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $80000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $31000000, High: $83000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $85000000)
Year 5: $58000000 (Low: $34000000, High: $90000000)
Year 10: $64000000 (Low: $38000000, High: $98000000)
Year 100: $80000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $120000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill targets online forums related to suicide assistance, which may impact freedom of speech discussions.
- International implications could arise if the US blocks or censors international websites offering such content.
- Unintended consequences might include driving individuals at risk further away from seeking help if legal repercussions are feared.