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Criminal charges

aiding a suicide

Most states have laws against aiding a suicide or assisted suicide. These laws are usually found in the state’s statutes, and sometimes in the state’s court opinions or case law (common law). The severity level of these crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies.

In Iowa, aiding or assisting in a suicide is considered a felony offense. Under Iowa Code Section 707A.2, a person who knowingly acts to assist another in committing suicide commits a class 'C' felony if the suicide or attempted suicide takes place. If the suicide does not occur, the act is considered a class 'D' felony. This reflects the state's position that life should be preserved and that assisting in the termination of life through suicide is a serious criminal act. There are no provisions in Iowa law that allow for physician-assisted suicide, which is distinct from euthanasia or other forms of assisted dying that may be legal in other jurisdictions. The penalties for a class 'C' felony in Iowa can include a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000, while a class 'D' felony can result in a prison term of up to 5 years and a fine of up to $7,500.

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Criminal charges

aiding a suicide

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Iowa State Code

Iowa State Code

Criminal charges

aiding a suicide

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