I suppose the problem is- some people do commit suicide during a psychotic episode/ impulsively/ under the influence and as a minor. When a police officer spots someone on the wrong side of the railings on a bridge- how are they to determine that person's mental capacity? Obviously, they can't. Even by talking to them- they're not qualified to assess that- so- chances are, they will try to stop them and take them for assessment to somewhere people ought to know what they're doing- it's actually those people I have more problem with!
To flip the situation- why do suicidal people choose times and locations where they are very likely to be stopped? That doesn't exactly seem like clear, rational thinking. If we want to insist that suicide is a rational act and we know that people will try to stop it- if made aware of it- why do people leave themselves more at risk of being prevented?
If the police are making a welfare check- then- someone else tipped them off. Surely- it's them that ought to be blamed.
Things like SN, they likely want to do a blanket ban on because again- you can't expect a retailer to assess a person's state of mind. Bear in mind Kenneth Law sold to minors who then killed themselves. I imagine it's mostly parents who want people like that prevented and prosecuted.
Things would be a whole lot less complicated if assisted suicide was legalised. Then it could be strictly regulated to ensure people aren't making the decision impulsively or with diminished mental capacity. Seeing as it isn't though- a blanket ban seems inevitable. How else do you regulate something everyone potentially has access to?
People will also blame the police if they just let suicides happen. Imagine how a family would act if they just let that person jump off the bridge? I think people tend to ignore that it's the majority of the population that would rather not see their children, parents, partners, family members and friends suicide. It isn't just the police and our governments that are anti- suicide. They are really only enforcing what the majority of people want.
That's not to say it's what I want- obviously. I'm pro-choice. However, I recognise that free access to nembutal for all say would result in rioting in the streets most likely by angry parents and relatives. It's obvious that assisted suicide would have to be strictly regulated to be sustainable. Until then, it's obvious they will try to prevent all suicides. Otherwise- without solid guidelines- it's individuals making the decisions. Should the police officer ask the person's reasons hanging off the bridge then- let them jump if they sounded reasonable? Would their family be ok with that decision do you think?