Any suggestion that waiting periods save lives ought to be balanced against another possibility, namely that they have the potential to leave people defenseless in the face of threats. Someone fleeing an abusive spouse, partner, or parent. A whistleblower concerned about violent reprisals. Anybody who publicly takes an unpopular political stand. If you're Woodward and Bernstein, the FBI's witness protection program is not an option. If you are a single mother, fleeing across state lines may not be possible. If you're an activist unpopular with your local government, police protection may be the opposite of what you need.