The decriminalisation of suicide

THE EDITOR: On July 29 a regional coalition was launched with various stakeholders from other Caribbean territories to advocate for the decolonisation of laws against suicide in TT, the Bahamas, St Lucia and in Grenada.

This refers to the process of revising or abolishing colonial-era laws that sought to criminalise suicide and suicide attempts. Inherited from European colonial powers, these laws reflect outdated views that treat suicide as a criminal act rather than as a mental health issue.

Suicide and attempted suicide were incorporated in our laws based on section 12 of the Supreme Court of Judicature Act, Chap 4.01, and were viewed as criminal offences as stated in the common law.

The coalition represents a diverse array of stakeholders, including civil society, people with lived experience, health professionals, policymakers and NGOs committed to driving change at both the local and regional levels.

Many of these advocates hail from TT and other Caribbean territories, from India and the UK, and their efforts are supported by the United for Global Mental Health, the IASP, Lifeline International, the WHO and PAHO.

In past years there have been arrests for attempted suicides recorded in some Caribbean islands, and legal opinion still suggests that there is support for this 19th century archaic law – as those who support penalising suicide argue that legal punishments can deter suicidal acts, can serve as a social condemnation of unacceptable behaviours, and can ensure justice is done.

Research on suicidal behaviours has confirmed that these views are not valid and, in fact, can hinder people from seeking proper mental health care in clinics and public hospitals.

In May 2020, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) issued its policy recommending that attempted suicide be decriminalised as this advocacy can reduce social stigma, help to remove barriers to adequate mental healthcare, increase access to emergency medical services, foster suicide prevention activities and improve the well-being of those vulnerable to suicidal behaviours.

Heeding this call, recent successful decriminalisation efforts are therefore noted in Guyana, Pakistan, India and Ghana. These countries have recognised the importance of providing support and treatment for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours, rather than in penalising them, and the move towards decriminalisation is often accompanied by efforts to improve mental health services and increase public awareness about mental health issues.

We hope that TT can move swiftly towards these goals also.

Indeed, the decolonisation of colonial laws shifts the narrative – to a modern understanding of mental health which emphasises that suicide is often linked to mental illnesses such as depression and complicated grief. It also shifts the narrative from a punitive and judgemental approach to one that is rehabilitative and focuses on mental health care and support for people with suicidal ideation.

To this end, the regional coalition will continue to raise awareness and educate on mental health issues, engage with media professionals and work with policymakers and legislators to reform existing laws and advocate for community-based mental health services that prioritise human rights and quality care.

DR MARGARET NAKHID-CHATOOR

psychologist/educator

co-chair, International

Association for Suicide

Prevention/PAHO

Conference 2024