this post was submitted on 01 Jan 2024
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This is the classic, we want to control information so that only painful and tragic exit methods are known about by the general public.
I.e. Paternalistic gatekeeping suicide is a sin.
That assumes that the person was going to die regardless, while in reality lots of people can and do get the support that they need. This is different from medically assisted dying.
Hiding information doesn't help, but encouraging support and controlling the market for the poisons can help.
"Suicide is a sin" isn't the only reason we support those dealing with the issues, even if that might be the motivation of people in some places.
Helping people, yes
Giving people options, yes
Showing people a better way, yes
Removing options, gatekeeping
Restricting information, gatekeeping
There's some nuance here too
Say barriers on bridges and high areas that the public can access. It's removing an option yes, but it might be enough friction to stop the person till they can receive the help they need
I concede the benefit of barriers to prevent accidents, or to discourage people from jumping from this point right here. Delaying the impulse. We don't deny people the knowledge of gravity, and we don't legistate the removal of high places. If someone really wants to jump they have options, hiking to a cliff etc.
Let's say there is a magic pill, that is painless, no side effects, etc. let's say we made this available for people's pets in pain, but not for humans in pain. In this fictional universe the gatekeeping of "enough pain" to justify a dignified and self selected exit is a net evil. As long as a human has agency they should have a choice without officials gatekeeping their knowledge. (I.e. we shouldn't nanny adults)
I don't think the main point of the barriers is preventing suicide specifically, but safety in general. Preventing suicide is more of a bonus.