Let me just whip out my crystal ball and I can tell each and every one of you what you have in store in your future, so you can make the 'right' choice at the 'right' time...
Except we can't do that so- who knows? An 18 year old may develop a crippling disease when they reach 20. They may end up paralysed in a wheelchair and be unable to speak and their parents may insist they carry on. A 55 year old may win the lottery next week. Who knows what lies in store for any of us?
If the argument is that we should try everything possible beforehand and that lucky break is just around the corner- may as well wait for natural death.
In terms of assisted suicide, I think the age restriction should be 18. Just because we're not allowed to make other less significant decisions, like drinking alcohol before that age. Seems like scientists obviously think something happens in the brain at that age to mean we are better at big decision making. So as a regulated, standardised and sustainable programme, that is my feeling.
I'd say it's especially tragic when a minor kills themselves. Was it a poor decision though? I mean- they must have been in so much pain to do it. Why is their pain less significant than an adults? How do you know things would have improved for them? They could easily have stayed the same or, gotten worse... Have you noticed how many people here were suicidal as minors? Lots! How happy do you think we are that we stuck around?
In my own life, my 30's were much better than my 20's. Should that mean everyone should wait till they're 40, because that's how my life went? No! Of course not!
Besides, I don't think we have the right to decide. I don't own anyone else's life but my own. When it comes to making suicide accessible, that's different because- that needs legislation and regulation. But, as a choice, I don't think it's all that fair to call it a wrong choice. Perhaps a tragic choice certainly- as in- WTF kind of world puts so much pressure on a minor and doesn't even notice or help when they have gotten so unhappy in their life that suicide seems like their best or only option?!! So- an utterly appalling reflection of this world- certainly but, the wrong decision for that person? Who knows? They obviously believed in it enough at the time...