ADC opposes criminalisation of attempted suicide

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over remarks attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a debate on the National Suicide Prevention Bill and reiterated its support for decriminalising attempted suicide.

Reacting on Wednesday through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the reference to “seven virgins” during plenary on Tuesday was inappropriate and could introduce religious stereotyping into a discussion on mental health.

The party said such comments could trivialise an issue involving the protection of human life.

The ADC also said it did not support the imprisonment of survivors of suicide attempts.

It described the criminalisation of attempted suicide as a colonial-era provision that treats people in distress as offenders rather than as individuals in need of care.

The party said other jurisdictions that had similar laws had reviewed them.

The ADC argued that a policy presenting survivors with a choice between death and imprisonment could discourage people from seeking help and encourage more harmful outcomes.

It said suicide should be approached as a mental health issue requiring support, counselling and access to care.

The party urged the Senate to proceed with the bill to establish a framework for prevention and support services.