This is a huge step IMHO that the life long suffering and trauma of mental illness is finally being seen as akin to a terminal illness.

So many cases of diseases like bipolar and schizophrenia are truly unmanageable, let alone curable. But the patient is usually of sound mind (depending how that is defined).

It is very sad that in a place like India, any form of suicide puts others around you at risk of being punished. Simply being aware of a persons suicidal intentions (even if they have been long standing and clearly well planned or non-impulsive) puts others around the individual at risk of grave punishment.

This is especially true for mentally ill people who are referred to as ‘insane’ and compared to minors in that they are never of ’sound mind’ to take such a major decision. As a result all involved in the life of a mentally ill person who simply wants the right to die,are held responsible and sometimes this is punishable by death.

I believe in preparing your family and loved ones when you have taken the final bold decision of ending your life… but here doing that is putting them at risk of being treated as criminals.

Hence methods that are well planned and a (relatively) pleasant way to die (like the helium and plastic bag method) make all those around you considered as abetting a suicide.

That includes the man who supplies the helium tank (thinking you want to fill balloons), the unsuspecting chemist that supplies the OTC sleeping pills, or even people who simply see signs of your intent
Especially if people know that helium is a relatively comfortable method of self deliverance but hence ignore the canister (because they too want you to find peace) are criminals under Indian laws. Even your doctor who knows you are suicidal (and have been for many years) but can’t offer anymore in terms of improvement in your condition, is under threat.
Who wants to go to peace when you know you are truly ruining the lives of so many you care for? This time not simply emotionally but practically too.

On another note it is really hard to get helium in India and it is often mixed with hydrogen anyway.

Anyway, I really do hope that it becomes acceptable for people to travel to Switzerland for this purpose.( Maybe it helps if you hold a UK passport)

Thanks for reading my long winded comment and for posting such good and promising information.

Kind regards

D