Discussion Could true, complete bodily autonomy ever be politically possible? Shouldn’t the pro-choice movement also be pro-suicide?

[RimeOfTheAncient]

This is something I've been thinking about for a while. I would think that both pro-choice and pro-sex-work advocates would also support being "pro-suicide." Now, when I say "pro-suicide," I don't mean that people should choose to die, but rather that they should have the right to access the resources and support if they decide to go that way. To me, true bodily autonomy means having the full choice to do whatever you feel you need or want to do with your own body. It means you can have sex with whoever you legally want, sell your labor and body, have reproductive freedom and yes, the freedom to end your own life if you choose. I think a big part of why suicide is still such a taboo topic is the complete lack of political support. I wonder if a coalition of pro-choice, pro-sex-work, and pro-suicide advocates could influence the system more than any one position could individually. Admittedly, the pro-choice side would be the largest group of supporters, but a true, comprehensive bodily autonomy movement could do a lot to change public opinion on suicide just as activism has changed opinions on abortion over the past 70+ years.

 

[Greasyhair]

I believe there will big push at some point towards "pro-suicide" stance, and in the way there already is (was it Britain where they had debates while back and bunch of ads?) But it will be hijacked and turned wholly corporate, and dystopian. When you engage in health care governments will push you towards euthanasia because it will be cheaper on the system than actually trying cure you. Same when you are homeless etc.

And of course the corporations will have vested interest in all the suicides going through them, so guns, and drugs. The tools which to give yourself dignified end will still be kept out of our hands.

Still this scenario would allow at least some people to access their preferred method. I think "politically" it would be more viable to lessen gun restrictions.

 

[Nightfoot]

Humans and, especially, governments have proven they are comfortable with inconsistencies. For example, many pro-lifers are also pro death penalty. Money talks and bullshit walks, as the saying goes.

 

[itsgone2]

I would argue that prochoice makes even more sense with suicide than it does abortion.

 

[wereqryan]

Its neither politically possible not biologically. We inherit crap bodies and crap social expectations we never asked for and then are told to make it work. We are all helpless against this, and that's a huge part of the reason behind my suicidal thoughts.