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Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Netflix Edits Out Graphic Suicide Scene From '13 Reasons Why' Over Two Years After First Aired
Reuters: Netflix Deletes Suicide Scene From Popular Youth Show,' 13 Reasons Why'
Netflix Inc. is removing a controversial graphic scene depicting a youth suicide from its popular young adult drama "13 Reasons Why", following advice from medical experts, the company said on its Twitter account early on Tuesday. The show, based on a book of the same name, depicts the suicide of the protagonist in the last episode of season 1, with a scene of the youth Hannah slitting her wrists in a bathtub. (McKay, 7/16)
Variety: Netflix Revises ’13 Reasons Why’ Suicide Scene
“It was our hope, in making ’13 Reasons Why’ into a television show, to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the bestselling book did before us,” showrunner Brian Yorkey said in a statement. “Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in season one was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it. But as we ready to launch season three, we have heard concerns about the scene from Dr. Christine Moutier at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others, and have agreed with Netflix to re-edit it." (Nicholai, 7/15)
The Wall Street Journal: Netflix Removes Controversial Suicide Scene From ‘13 Reasons Why’
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggested that “13 Reasons Why” was a factor in a rise in teen suicides. The study found that the suicide rate among people 10 to 17 went up by nearly a third in April 2017, the month after the show launched on Netflix. Some school officials issued warnings and guidance to parents about the show. At the time of the study, a Netflix spokesman said, “It’s a critically important topic, and we have worked hard to ensure that we handle this sensitive issue responsibly.” (Flint, 7/16)
People: 13 Reasons Why Edits Out Suicide From Controversial Season 1 Scene
Suicide prevention groups are now voicing their support in Netflix’s decision to edit the scene. “We support the decision to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from 13 Reasons Why,” the groups — which included the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Trevor Project — say in a joint statement to PEOPLE. “There has been much debate about the series in the medical community. But this positive change will ensure that 13 Reasons Why continues to encourage open conversation about mental health and suicide prevention – while also mitigating the risk for the most vulnerable teenage viewers.” (Boucher, 7/16)
