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Decriminalising suicide

The threat of punitive action reinforces the stigma associated with suicide and deters people from seeking mental health and social support services. : Via Pixabay Pixabay Licence

If the aim of criminalising suicide attempts is to deter people from ending their lives and protect the vulnerable, it’s failed.

Decriminalising suicide

Criminalising suicide only makes it worse

If the aim of criminalising suicide attempts is to deter people from ending their lives and protect the vulnerable, it’s failed.

Health
There may be a reluctance in certain countries to decriminalise suicide due to the fear that removing this deterrent may increase suicide rates. : Priscilla Du Preez (Unsplash) Unsplash License

There are other legislations and programmes to help prevent suicide other than criminalising suicide attempts.

Decriminalising suicide

The alternatives which can help prevent suicide

There are other legislations and programmes to help prevent suicide other than criminalising suicide attempts.

Human Interest
Decriminalising suicide is just the beginning of a long and arduous journey towards creating a society that values the complexity of mental health issues and provides the necessary support. : Alex Ivashenko (Unsplash) Unsplash License

Malaysia’s move to decriminalise suicide is a positive step but much more is needed to help those suffering.

Decriminalising suicide

Why decriminalising suicide is not enough

Malaysia’s move to decriminalise suicide is a positive step but much more is needed to help those suffering.

Health
The government, police and medical professionals play a critical role in easing the suicide crisis in India. : Priyash Vasava (Unsplash) Unsplash License

Despite having the law on their side, people who attempted suicide in India are continually harassed by authorities and don’t receive appropriate help.

Decriminalising suicide

How India continues to punish those who attempt suicide

Health
Efforts can be made to protect vulnerable individuals by creating avenues in communities for them to seek timely support. : Damilareadeyemi (Wikimedia Commons) CC BY-SA 4.0

Nigeria missed the unique opportunity to address its anti-suicide laws in the new mental health bill.

Decriminalising suicide

Nigeria’s policies have come a long way but not far enough

Health
Suicide registry databases can provide important information on demographics, risk factors and trends in suicidal behaviour. : Thomas Lefebvre (Unsplash) Unsplash License

By capturing data on suicide cases and rates, a registry database can help provide better intervention programmes.

Decriminalising suicide

What a suicide registry database should look like

Health
Violence against women is one of the reasons Bangladeshi women attempt suicide. : “Helping the survivors of acid attacks in Bangladesh” by Narayan Nath/FCO/DFID is available at https://bit.ly/3KCsA6S

Bangladesh inherited its suicide laws from the colonial era. A more modern approach is needed to deter the behaviour.

Decriminalising suicide

Suicide is a mental health issue, not a crime

Law
Individuals with suicidal behaviours would now be unlikely to face criminal penalties in Pakistan. : Blogtrepreneur via Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/143601516@N03/27571522123/) CC BY 2.0

In December 2022, Pakistan repealed the penal code criminalising attempted suicide. Now the focus can shift to better understanding the scope of the crisis.

Decriminalising suicide

With suicide no longer a crime, the real work begins

Law
Decriminalising suicide is just one step in ending prejudice against suicide survivors and patients. More needs to be done to support those who are affected. : Michael Joiner, 360info CC BY 4.0

More countries are realising that punishing individuals doesn’t prevent them from acting on suicidal thoughts but simply puts them in greater distress.

8 perspectives
Decriminalising suicide

Suicide is not a crime

Law