3 ms·
I think it's remarkably reductionist to frame OP as "just giving people a way to readily kill themselves." They went to some lengths to stress how it wouldn't i
by tenacious_tuna 4y ago
I think it's remarkably reductionist to frame OP as "just giving people a way to readily kill themselves." They went to some lengths to stress how it wouldn't in fact be "readily" available, but a lengthy process with many avenues in which people could constructively offer an alternative to whatever the person's problem might be.
I think it's a very similar approach to drugs in certain countries: you decriminalize them, in some cases provide government-funded drugs, provide places with trained medical staff for people to do their drugs in, and provide excellent addiction counseling. If they overdose, there's medical staff. If the drugs are government-provided, then they're pure and not cut with problematic substances. If the person wants assistance with the addiction, they don't have a criminal record, don't have to contend with an erratic supply while they wean off / switch to something else, and have lots of non-judgemental support.
I think it's quite reasonable to take a similar approach with suicide: de-stigmatize it so it's possible to talk to people constructively, and very likely engage with many for whom there's a better path. Simultaneously, provide a way for people to gracefully exit life when that truly is the best option, instead of (for example) wasting away in a hospital in pain.
- throwaway742 4y agoI have personally experienced in the past (not now I am not a danger to myself or others) an inability to accurately discuss my current state of mind with my doctor out of a fear I would be involuntarily deprived of my liberty. Most people don't want to be locked up, but it serves neither party when you have a fear of discussing your actual symptoms.