The debate over the decriminalisation of attempted suicide bill took an unexpected turn in the Senate on October 13. Sponsor of the bill, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, argued that criminal punishment could discourage people in distress from seeking help and push others towards more fatal attempts. Senate President Akpabio responded contrarily, stating that suicide is a crime and that those who attempt it and survive would be sent to prison. The bill passed the second reading and was referred to the Senate committees on health and judiciary for further consideration.
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