The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to decriminalize attempted suicide and establish a framework for suicide prevention and support for survivors.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, seeks to resolve conflicts between existing criminal laws and the National Mental Health Act, which recognizes attempted suicide as a mental health emergency requiring immediate intervention. Ekpenyong said the proposed legislation would prioritize treatment and support over criminal punishment.
Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committees on Health and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative consideration. The committees are expected to examine the proposed legislation and its implications for existing laws.
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