The authors argue estimates of the net economic cost of suicide should go beyond accounting for direct medical costs & indirect costs from loss of earnings. They look at potential savings realized from: not having to treat the psychiatric disorders of suicide victims; avoidance of pension, social security, & nursing home care costs; & assisted suicide. By combining all of the costs & savings, it is concluded the net economic cost of the 30,906 suicides in America in 1990 entailed an economic gain for society of roughly $5.07 billion in 2005 dollars. The calculation does not include estimated costs due to the psychological pain & suffering of survivors. Suicide should be prevented on humane considerations, not on the economic cost involved. (16 refs.)