We need more pro-choice activism

[hopeless302]

It is likely that SN will face heavy regulation soon due reports like this which highlight its usage in suicide attempts. The relatives of people who passed away using SN are speaking to congressmen and the media in order to have it banned or heavily regulated. More broadly, websites such as this are heavily stigmatized, and people are trying to get them shut down as well. Media coverage related to pro-choice positions has been overwhelmingly negative. With all this in mind, I think we need to be vocal and advocate our views a lot better so that "normal" people can at least see things from our perspective. If we don't then we'll forever be spoken about in hushed tones and relegated to obscure internet forums researching scientifically dubious methods to painlessly CTB. It's not going to be easy, but public perception on issues like abortion, trans rights and gay marriage and other social issues has shifted dramatically over the last 20 years or so. At the very least, having our positions more clearly articulated will elevate the discussion beyond spamming "haha noooo, it gets better" at suicidal people and hoping they disappear.

 

[jodes2]

Well said, it needs to be done some how. I can't imagine how to phrase our position correctly to counter the stigma etc though. Enable suicide? I don't think that would go down well. Pro-lifers can't imagine that suicide prevention is a bad thing. They're completely blinded to it

 

[FuneralCry]

It's so unfair how those people want to take away SN. Taking away SN would just mean that people have no choice but to resort to methods like hanging and jumping, it wouldn't even reduce suicide. I hate how we live in a world like this. Trying to force people to suffer is extremely cruel.

I do think that pro lifers would only ever be able to understand our views if they somehow became suicidal themselves. Those types of people live under a delusion that life is always worth living and they would dismiss us as being irrational no matter what.

 

[hopeless302]

Well said, it needs to be done some how. I can't imagine how to phrase our position correctly to counter the stigma etc though. Enable suicide? I don't think that would go down well. Pro-lifers can't imagine that suicide prevention is a bad thing. They're completely blinded to it

I think approaching it from a pain-reduction standpoint might help. People don't really understand that despite all the therapy, medications and platitudes, there are people out there who simply want things to end and will find ways to do so. We can't save everyone. Why should they be left out in the cold to try potentially painful or unsuccessful methods which might leave them with permanent disabilities and consequently even more depressed?

 

[jodes2]

I think approaching it from a pain-reduction standpoint might help. People don't really understand that despite all the therapy, medications and platitudes, there are people out there who simply want things to end and will find ways to do so. We can't save everyone. Why should they be left out in the cold to try potentially painful or unsuccessful methods which might leave them with permanent disabilities and consequently even more depressed?

I think at best, they'll want to introduce drawn out and restrictive euthanasia practices. It's slow progress. I don't think they'll ever stop restricting suicide methods, because impulsive kids will always be getting their hands on them and it's unimaginable to many that that's acceptable

 

[Meineendscheidung]

Ich denke, dass Lebensprofis unsere Ansichten nur verstehen könnten, wenn sie irgendwie selbst suizidgefährdet würden. Diese Art von Menschen lebt in der Illusion, dass das Leben immer lebenswert ist, und sie würden uns in jedem Fall als irrational abtun.

Ich bin seit 30 Jahren Suizid krank, einer meiner besten Freunde war sehr sauer auf meine Versuche. Als seine Frau tragisch ums Leben kam, hat er mit mir über ctb gesprochen. Es kann jeden treffen, aber nie alle. Deshalb bin ich sehr froh über SS.

 

[LaVieEnRose]

I agree with what you say. Restricting SN access is not a real solution. We need more activism, but naturally the people here are generally exhausted, not full of the necessary energy and drive to campaign for change in how society approaches such a taboo topic. However, it does fit in with other causes like abortion and trans rights, which have to do with autonomy.

 

[hey.howare.u]

this sites helps me so much, finally im not alone anymore and i can think about my as well as other peoples problems. thx for that :)
i agree, often they blame sites like this or the methods used and completely ignore why people actually ctb.

 

[RainAndSadness]

I think society is changing right now as we speak but it takes time. Religion is a huge issue and it's honestly our strongest opponent but Christianity is dying in the western world and a more secular society that's not driven by religious values will open up more chances for us to talk about individual autonomy and the right to die. Another factor is age, it seems to me that younger people who look towards a dystopian future seem to have a different perspective when it comes to the right to die than older generations who lived a decent life so far. Let's put it like this: time is on our side.

There has been slow but steady progress all over the world when it comes to assisted suicide. Some of the recent victories have been documented here. We are winning but it's one step at a time. The current developments in Canada for example prove that you can move the overton window into our favor. Regarding methods - and until we have implemented compassionate assisted suicide laws, that's our only way out - they will try to restrict SN in some parts of the world but it won't be successful. Let me put it like this: there is another continent in the east that sells SN. It's a large market that's been untouched so far but it's definitely accessable to the rest of the world. I know people who have ordered from that continent and there is no way they can stop that. Globalization is our ally. As you can see, I'm not that concerned about the future. The right to die is a fundamental human right and we will win. It's just a matter of time.

 

[theboy]

Yes :)