---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Suicide is a fundamental human right…"
description: "\"Suicide is a fundamental human right. This does not mean that it is desirable. It only means that society does not have the moral right to interfere, b..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/thomas-szasz-3801_commit_suicide-is-a-fundamental-human-right-thi_3132003.jpg"
---

#  Suicide is a fundamental human right. This does not mean…

![“Suicide is a fundamental human right. This does not mean that it is desirable. It only means that society does not have the moral right to interfere, by force, with a persons decision to commit this act. The result is a far-reaching infantilization and dehumanization of the suicidal person.” quote by Thomas Szasz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/thomas-szasz-3801_commit_suicide-is-a-fundamental-human-right-thi_3132003.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/thomas-szasz-3801_commit_suicide-is-a-fundamental-human-right-thi_3132003.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/thomas-szasz-3801_commit_suicide-is-a-fundamental-human-right-thi_3132003.jpg)

> “Suicide is a fundamental human right. This does not mean that it is desirable. It only means that society does not have the moral right to interfere, by force, with a persons decision to commit this act. The result is a far-reaching infantilization and dehumanization of the suicidal person.”

[Thomas Szasz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-szasz/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Suicide is a personal right, but not a desirable choice; society should not forcefully intervene.

**In simple terms:** Suicide is a right, not encouraged.

Key Takeaway

Respect autonomy, avoid coercion.

Themes

ethics autonomy mental health

Mood

serious thoughtful

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- legal debates
- clinical practice
- public policy

Key Concepts

rights medical ethics societal norms

Questions to Reflect On

- Should society protect life at all costs?
- How to balance autonomy and care?

A Different Perspective

Risk of normalizing self‑harm.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Decision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decision/) [Dehumanization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dehumanization/) [Human Right](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-right/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Moral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral/) [Suicide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suicide/)

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