…as parliament amends Criminal Offences Act, 1960
Attempted suicide has been decriminalised following the amendment of sections of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 by Parliament.
Before approval of the amendment by the House on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, an attempt by a person to take their own life was a crime.
Henceforth, persons who attempt suicide will be considered as having mental health issues; requiring assistance by law rather than imprisonment.
Health experts in the country over the years have pushed for the law to be amended, saying attempted suicide is a medical condition that needs medical attention.
With over 1,500 cases of suicide reported annually across the country, the decision to consider attempted suicide as a mental health issue has been welcomed by many, including survivors of suicidal thoughts or attempted suicides.
