Nigeria Senate Advances Suicide Bill

NigeriaThe Senate advanced a bill on 13 October ending jail for attempted suicide.

Survivors face prosecution under 2 of Nigeria’s criminal laws, which advocates say keeps people from seeking care.

The bill sets up medical assessment, referral and follow-up for survivors, plus crisis services, responder training and national data collection.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio opposed removing prison, arguing the change could encourage suicide attempts.

The health and judiciary committees now take it up, and advocates want public hearings.

Sources: Premium Times Nigeria