| Sumario: | The debate on assisted suicide is as topical as ever in Germany. Since the German Federal Constitutional Court declared § 217 of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB) to be invalid in February 2020, it is unclear whether and, if so, which legal regulation will be passed. From a terminological perspective, a distinction needs to be made between assisted suicide and euthanasia on demand. One often hears about medically assisted suicide; however, anyone can assist a suicide. The reasons for making use of assisted suicide are manifold. According to data from the German "Assisted Dying Association" (Verein Sterbehilfe), 139 assisted suicides took place in Germany in 2022, 132 of which were for physical and four for mental health reasons (1). Social factors, experiencing a lack of care, as well as concern regarding life in old age also play a role (2, 3, 4). In order to provide information regarding the legal situation and recommendations for dealing with individuals wishing to end their lives, the German Society for Palliative Medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Palliativmedizin, DGP) has published corresponding recommendations on courses of action (5). The desire to die should be openly discussed. Suicide prevention measures play an important role. The aim of the present study was to assess the motives for wanting assisted suicide as well as the effects of suicide prevention counseling.
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