Opinion | Singapore finally recognises that people attempting suicide need mental health support, not punishment

Singapore’s move to decriminalise attempted suicide is welcome, as are moves to give police, doctors and courts new powers on treatment for mental illnesses, recognising that suicide prevention requires a whole-of-society approach

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People desperate enough to try to kill themselves need help, not threats of criminal punishment. Until the law was repealed, suicide survivors in Singapore could be jailed for up to a year or fined, or both, although prosecution was rare. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 6:30am, 16 Jan 2020Updated: 7:59am, 16 Jan 2020

Singapore’s decision to decriminalise attempted suicide is a welcome move in recognition that treatment, not prosecution, is more appropriate for people so distressed they attempt to take their life. The amendment, which took effect on January 1, removes an offence punishable by imprisonment or a fine.

It is part of a broader review to modernise Singapore’s penal code, introduced in 1871 and modelled on India’s penal code, which originated from English common law. Both Britain and India have decriminalised attempted suicide, in 1961 and 2017 respectively.

In practice, prosecutions arising from attempted suicide were rare. Singapore’s Penal Code Review Committee noted that 1,096 cases of attempted suicide were reported in 2015, with 837 arrested. From 2013-2015, an average of 0.6 per cent of reported cases resulted in prosecution each year.

In cases of attempted suicide, the committee acknowledged that the priority is to ensure the safety of the survivor, who is typically emotionally and psychologically distressed. Prosecution was sought only for repeat offenders or in aggravating circumstances, such as a suicide attempt that endangered others.

Despite the global shift towards the decriminalisation of suicide, the passing of the amendment was not without resistance. Opponents worried that the legalisation of suicide would lead to its increase, even when there is no data to suggest this, or to suggest that criminalisation is an effective deterrent.

The World Health Organisation’s report on suicide prevention points out that decriminalisation may increase the reporting of suicides, once fear of legal recrimination is eliminated. This is not a bad thing if it means people are more ready to talk about suicide and seek help. It also allows a more accurate assessment of the problem, and more targeted measures.