Clinician Awareness and Attitude About Decriminalization of Suicide Attempt as per Mental Health Care Act 2017: A Cross-sectional Study

Indian J Psychol Med. 2026 May 2:02537176261445618. doi: 10.1177/02537176261445618. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The decriminalization of suicide under Section 115 of the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017 marked a paradigm shift in India, reframing suicide attempts as manifestations of severe stress requiring care rather than punishment. However, gaps in clinician awareness and ambiguity regarding medico-legal responsibilities may hinder effective implementation of the law in clinical settings. This study aimed to assess non-psychiatric clinicians’ awareness and attitudes regarding the decriminalization of suicide under the MHCA, 2017, and to explore potential implementation gaps.

METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 134 clinicians from non-psychiatric departments at a tertiary-care center in central India. A structured, self-administered questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of legal provisions related to decriminalization, and attitudes toward its impact on stigma, help-seeking, and clinical practice. Descriptive statistics were computed, and subgroup comparisons based on years of clinical experience (≤1 year vs. >1 year) were performed using the chi-square test.

RESULTS: Most clinicians were aware that suicide has been decriminalized in India (76.1%) and that individuals attempting suicide are presumed to be under severe stress (84.3%). Nearly four-fifths (79.1%) recognized the government’s obligation to provide care and rehabilitation. However, 80.6% believed that reporting suicide attempts to legal authorities remains mandatory, and only 51.5% were aware of professional immunity from civil or criminal liability. Attitudes toward decriminalization were largely positive: 55.2% agreed that it reduces stigma, 56.8% felt it encourages help-seeking, and 88.8% reported a greater likelihood of psychiatric referral following decriminalization. Subgroup analysis did not reveal significant differences across experience levels.

CONCLUSION: Non-psychiatric clinicians demonstrated generally favorable awareness and supportive attitudes toward the decriminalization of suicide. However, persistent misconceptions regarding medico-legal obligations suggest an implementation gap. Targeted training, legal-literacy initiatives, and clear institutional protocols are needed to ensure consistent, rights-based care in alignment with the MHCA 2017.

PMID:42083612 | PMC:PMC13135623 | DOI:10.1177/02537176261445618