'Right to die' group allegedly helps Texas woman assist in ex-husband's suicide

A Texas woman has been arrested after allegedly helping her ex-husband commit suicide. The suicide was reportedly carried out with assistance from a pro-assisted-suicide nonprofit organization called Final Exit Network.

Key Takeaways:

• Sarah Regmund has been charged with assisting in the suicide death of her ex-husband, Joseph Anthony Cheffo.

• Regmund, who was Cheffo's caretaker, reportedly gathered the items he needed to kill himself and printed out his suicide note.

• The duo received assistance and directions from the Final Exit Network, a "right to die" advocacy group.

The Details:

Sarah Regmund, 46, was the caretaker for her ex-husband, Joseph Anthony Cheffo, 59, who suffered from a condition that left him bedridden. Authorities say she assisted in Cheffo's suicide and did nothing as he placed a bag over his head, killing himself.

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According to reports, Regmund called police on the evening of February 13, telling them that Cheffo had placed the bag over his head and died several hours earlier.

Odessa American states:

When officers arrived, they found Cheffo in a bedroom with a clear plastic bag over his head and taped around his neck. A large and empty tank of compressed gas was connected to the plastic bag, the [police] report stated.

Regmund told police she and Cheffo had been in contact with the Final Exit Network, a "right to die" advocacy group, and that the group had explained the best way for Cheffo to kill himself. She also reportedly admitted to gathering the items Cheffo would need and making them available to him, as well as printing out his suicide note.

Odessa American further reports:

Regmund said representatives from the Final Exit Network spent three hours with Cheffo on Friday and they told him he could stop the process up until the point where he passed out, the report stated.

According to the report, Regmund said she was on the bed with Cheffo when he put the bag over his head and held his hand while he turned the gas on. On the advice of the Final Exit people, she then left the room and waited an hour or two to call 9-1-1.

Regmund is now facing felony charges of assisting in suicide. Texas does not allow assisted suicide or euthanasia.

The Bottom Line:

Regmund's ability to access the information and means necessary to help Cheffo kill himself through an organization that champions assisted suicide highlights one of the many dangers of legalized killing. When it is believed to be acceptable for some people to die, like those who are ill or suffering, there is no stopping the push for more widespread suicide. In reality, all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and offered palliative care if necessary, not given assistance to kill themselves.