Citation

Pridmore S, Pridmore W. Australas. Psychiatry 2016; 25(1): 40-42.

Affiliation

Post-Graduate Student, Australian National Medical School, Gurran, ACT, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1039856216671658

PMID

27694646

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore aspects of the removal of hanging points from correctional facilities.

CONCLUSION: An argument can be made that individuals have a right to die/suicide. The United Nations holds that except for freedom of movement, prisoners have the same rights as non-prisoners. The rights of the individual and the duty of many custodial institutions are in conflict. This introduces a conundrum; when all hanging points are removed from correctional facilities, prisoners without mental disorder, but with a sustained wish to die, will not be able to achieve that end, while non-prisoners will be well able to do so.

© The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2016.

Language: en