It may be quite surprising for many to learn that attempting self-harm in some parts of the world is a crime. It attracts punishment just as other crimes such as stealing or destroying government property do. For instance, in Nigeria, attempting to commit self-homicide is a crime. Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act says, “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”
In countries where it has been decriminalized, the act is stigmatized and discouraged, and it can hinder people from seeking help. Research shows that decriminalizing the act removes barriers to seeking help for mental health problems and rates tend to then decline. So, when Ghana parliament voted to decriminalize suicide and attempted suicide in March 2023, Prof. Joseph Osafo felt a weight lift from his shoulders. The head of psychology at the University of Ghana had been engaged in a near 20-year battle to abolish the law. It was brought in by the British and it stated that anyone who attempts self-murder should face imprisonment or a fine.
Decriminalizing the act creates a domino effect in countries.
Ghana, Malaysia, Guyana and Pakistan are four countries which have decriminalized it in the past one year. More could soon follow. Campaigners say it is a sign of greater awareness and understanding of mental health. Kenya and Uganda have filed petitions to overturn these laws and members of the UN group of Small Island Developing States have committed to decriminalize it. Nigeria and Bangladesh are also holding discussions on this. Muhammad Ali Hasnain, a barrister from United for Global Mental Health, a group calling for its decriminalization, said that there seems to be a domino effect taking place.
He said that as one country decriminalizes it, others start to follow suit. Sarah Kline, the organization’s chief executive, said that this is quite unusual and a huge sign of progress as well as an important step forward for the populations most at risk. More than 700,000 people globally die by killing themselves every year, and about three-quarters (77 percent) of these people are in low- and middle-income countries. It is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-old.
Outlawing suicide discriminates against people who need help.
At least 17 countries still have laws that label the act as a criminal offense. In April 2022, Jordan House of Representatives passed a draft law approving six-month jail terms for anyone attempting self-harm and/or a fine of 100 Jordanian dinars ($141). The law also specifies that the punishment will be more severe in cases of mass martyrdom. In Nigeria, children as young as seven can be arrested, tried and prosecuted for attempting it.
Natalie Drew, a technical officer with the mental health policy and service development team at the World Health Organization, says that the consequences of these fines or jail terms can be devastating and can pose a huge barrier to addressing the problem. Health experts and advocates argue that it should be treated as a public health issue just as mental disorders are, rather than a crime. She added that outlawing the act denies people the right to access health services and discriminates against them because of something they are experiencing.
WHO to release guide on legalizing the act for policymakers.
Research shows that in countries where suicide has been legalized, people can seek help for mental health and rates tend to then decline. So, in September, the WHO is due to release a guide on legalizing suicide for policymakers, with explanations of how countries have managed it. In Ghana, Prof. Osafo is tasked with making sure the logistics, facilities and resources are in place for people needing support. He hopes Ghana’s decision will encourage other countries in the region to look at their statute books.
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The battle to decriminalize suicide – Many countries still surprisingly consider attempted suicide as a crime. – Express your point of view.
It’s deeply concerning that many countries still consider attempted suicide as a crime. This approach only adds to the stigma around mental health issues and can make it even more difficult for people to seek help. The criminalization of suicide is a relic of the past that has no place in modern society. Suicide is a complex issue, and it’s important that we approach it with compassion and understanding. By decriminalizing suicide, we can help reduce the stigma around mental health and ensure that people have access to the care they need.
It’s important to recognize that suicide is often a symptom of underlying mental health issues, and criminalizing it only serves to further marginalize people who are already struggling. Instead, we need to work together to create a more supportive environment for people struggling with mental health issues and help break down the barriers that prevent them from seeking help. This means investing in mental health care and creating more accessible and affordable services, as well as raising awareness about the importance of seeking help when you need it.
Ultimately, we need to work towards a society that values mental health just as much as physical health. This means creating a more compassionate and understanding environment that encourages people to seek help when they need it, rather than punishing them for their struggles. By decriminalizing suicide, we can take an important step towards achieving this goal and creating a brighter future for mental health care around the world.
Suicide is a crime. It is the act of taking ones life. If it is decriminalized, people will be encouraged to continue to do the act. We need to help people to see life in a better way so they won’t waste their lives.
The fact that many nations still view attempting suicide as a criminal raises serious concerns. It’s critical that we address the delicate subject of suicide with empathy and understanding. Recognize that suicide is frequently a sign of deeper mental health problems, and that criminalizing it would only further isolate those who are already experiencing these problems.
A culture where mental health is valued equally to physical wellness is what we must strive for. This entails developing a more forgiving and understanding environment that promotes asking for assistance when necessary
Serious questions are raised by the fact that many countries still consider suicide attempts to be crimes. We must approach the delicate subject of suicide with empathy and comprehension. Recognize that suicide is frequently a symptom of more serious mental health issues and that making it a crime will simply isolate those who are already dealing with these issues.