Content warning: This article discusses sensitive topics such as suicide that some readers may find distressing.
Countries that used to criminalise suicide attempts are beginning to realise punishing individuals doesn't prevent them from acting on suicidal thoughts but simply denies them from seeking help.
Pakistan finally decriminalised suicide late last year and Ghana has approved amendments to the Criminal Offences Act of 1960, which previously made attempted suicide a criminal offence. Malaysia too is following in the footsteps by reviewing and repealing Section 309 of the Penal Code which criminalises suicide attempts.
