Responds to the issues raised by Werth and Holdwick, and Westefeld et al. (2000, [this issue]). Posits that there are important biopsychosocial trends that make the issue of suicide particularly salient today. Supports this view using two examples: the increased incidence of death from chronic disease and the greater awareness of the psychosocial aspects of death and the dying process. (Contains 24 references.) (GCP)