Lawmakers debate ‘Conrad’s Law,’ which would criminalize suicide coercion

By: Ellie Romano

Email: ERomano@ABC6.com

Twitter: @ERomanoABC6

MASSACHUSETTS (WLNE) – Lawmakers in Massachusetts are reviewing a bill that would make it a crime to persuade someone to commit suicide.

The bill is called Conrad’s Law. It’s named after 18-year-old Conrad Roy III who took his life in 2014 after his girlfriend, Michelle Carter, encouraged him via text message to end his life.

Carter was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and is now serving a 15-month sentence.

Today, Roy’s mother, Lynn Roy, testified in front of the Joint Judiciary Committee in favor of Conrad’s Law. She said the bill could save lives and prevent other families from experiencing the pain of losing a loved one.

“I can tell you from personal experience, the pain and emptiness never, never really ends,” said Roy. “There is no doubt that my son struggled with anxiety and depression, but he did not deserve to be coerced by another individual.”

Conrad’s Law would criminalize suicide coercion and impose a penalty of up to five years in prison.

“If this law existed, my son’s case would have been settled more easily,” said Roy.

“It will send a clear message that this behavior is not only unacceptable, but it’s criminal,” said Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover). 

Massachusetts is just one of eight states that doe not already have a law criminalizing suicide coercion.

Critics worry the law would infringe upon a person’s right to free speech. Supporters say it will close a loophole in state law.

The joint committee has until mid-February to decide about moving the bill forward and the legislators supporting it believe they can have the law in place by spring, pending the governor’s signature.

© WLNE-TV 2019