I'd hope that maybe the majority would see suicide as a reasonable and humane choice for someone who was in chronic pain, suffering and who wanted out.
Regarding other issues and the age at which is should be available, that's more contentious. As someone who started having ideation young- aged 10- like a lot of members here- I have great sympathy with younger people who already feel like they want out.
I suppose it depends on the circumstances. Developing ideation that young though tends to suggest possibly a few things- health issues and possibly troubles at home. I guess the benefit of holding on for longer would mean that they could potentially move out of a toxic home environment. That helped at least initially for me. But then- not everyone can do that.
The problem with stipulating ages is that someone suffering will simply have to suffer for that long. That all said though- my personal feeling is that 18 is reasonable. We are assessed to be able to make other impactful decisions at that age. I do though- absolutely think that all people applying for assisted suicide should go through an assessment process. Where other sollutions and support are suggested. I also think a 6 month waiting period is a good idea to try to prevent impulsive attempts.
I suppose, just from a personal stance too- I wonder if my feelings really have changed all that much. I'm 45 now. Was I really so enormously different at 18? I did make the effort to turn life around multiple times and just speaking personally- I'm not sure it was worth it! Had I died all that time ago- sure, I would have missed Game of Thrones and a couple of career achievements. I also would have spared myself a whole bunch of stress and discomfort, gallstones, multiple bereavements. Years and years of working to support a life I don't even want.
As it is, I feel stuck here- more than actually wanting to be here. Because, I've always felt like I needed to wait for my Dad to go first. But still- I'm not sure it was worth it for me personally to hold on. It will be for others of course- there's no denying that but- I don't know how you ascertain that. How can we predict who will end up happy or not?
Plus- just objectively speaking. I suppose it depends on belief. I tend to think when we die, that's it. So- had I died at 20 say- I don't believe I could be regretting anything after death. And- let's say there is an afterlife- we'll be busy living that- surely? The only problem would be if we go to hell for suicide.
What are your thoughts OP? It does vary here. A couple of people are promortalist- nembutal for all enthusiasts. The majority though are in favour of some regulations. The age thing is contentious though. Some say 18, some say 24. Some believe that only those with diagnosed medical conditions should be eligible. It varies a lot.