Across Nigeria, abortion remains a taboo subject, often cloaked in stigma and silence in both northern and southern regions. Beneath this façade lies a harsh reality: women silently grapple with intense emotional trauma, encounter harsh societal judgment and ostracism, and face life-threatening risks due to restrictive abortion laws that frequently push many into seeking unsafe procedures. Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF delves into the severe challenges women face within Nigeria’s complex cultural, religious and legal landscape, emphasising an urgent need for systemic reforms to overhaul retrogressive policies and create a healthcare system that guarantees safe, accessible services and protects women’s reproductive rights.
Ada’s story begins in the bustling city of Lagos, where the vibrant energy of the metropolis belies her inner turmoil. At 24, Ada found herself pregnant and unprepared, caught in the throes of an unplanned pregnancy with her boyfriend, who quickly vanished upon hearing the news. “I felt like I was drowning,” Ada recalls, her voice a fragile whisper. “Everywhere I turned, there was judgment, and no one to turn to for help.”
The decision to terminate the pregnancy was not an easy one. Ada endured the procedure in a dingy, unlicensed clinic, the fear of discovery weighing heavily on her. The physical pain was excruciating, but it was the psychological aftermath of procuring abortion from an unlicensed source that left the deepest scars. “After the procedure at the unlicensed clinic, I struggled with regret and unease. The conditions were poor, and I didn’t receive the care I needed. It left me with a lot of anxiety and discomfort, which made it hard to move forward,” she said in a voice tinged with sadness.
Overwhelmed by profound confusion and emotional turmoil, Ada retreated into isolation, distancing herself from friends and family. Her once vibrant personality diminished into a shadow of its former self as she struggled with depression and anxiety, largely caused by the misguided treatment of dubious practitioners. It was only through the intervention of a compassionate therapist that Ada began to find a glimmer of hope. “Talking to someone who didn’t judge me was a lifeline,” Ada says, a faint smile breaking through the gloom. “I’m still healing, but I’m learning to forgive myself and find peace.”
Bolu’s story also begins in the labyrinthine streets of Lagos, a city teeming with life yet indifferent to her plight. She dreamt of a future adorned with education and opportunity, but fate had inscribed a different path. At 19, burdened by the weight of poverty and fear, Bolu found herself pregnant, trapped in the throes of desperation. In a society that offered no sanctuary for the voiceless, she sought refuge in the shadows of clandestine clinics to escape the treacherous terrain of an unwanted pregnancy.
Her tale reverberates through the halls of anonymity, a voice stifled by societal stigma. “I had no choice,” she whispers, her eyes clouded with tears and her voice trembling with regret. With nowhere to turn, Bolu sought solace in the shadows of back-alley clinics. The clandestine procedure promised liberation but delivered only agony. Alone and abandoned, Bolu’s voice faded into the abyss, another casualty of a system indifferent to her suffering. Behind closed doors, she endured the torment of a perilous procedure, her screams swallowed by the void of despair.
In the rural hinterlands of Kano, Fatima’s life was a tapestry of tradition and familial expectations. Forcefully ‘married’ off at 16, she had already borne three children by the age of twenty-one. When she discovered she was pregnant again, the weight of her responsibilities threatened to crush her. “My husband and I could barely provide for the children we already had,” Fatima explains, her voice tinged with despair. “I felt like I was failing my family.” The decision to seek an abortion was fraught with danger. In a region where abortion is not only restricted but deeply stigmatised, Fatima risked everything to protect her family’s future. The procedure was clandestine and perilous, performed by a local healer with rudimentary tools. “The pain was unbearable, but the worst part was the fear,” she recalls. “I was terrified of being found out, of being ostracised by my community.”
Fatima’s ordeal did not end with the procedure. She was haunted by nightmares and an overwhelming sense of guilt. In a society where mental health support is scarce, Fatima’s struggle went unnoticed, her pain a silent burden. “I couldn’t talk to anyone about what I went through,” she says, her eyes downcast. “I felt so alone, like I was carrying a dark secret that no one could understand,” she said after patronising quacks. It was through a women’s support group that Fatima found a semblance of relief. Sharing her story with others who had faced similar experiences provided a sense of solidarity and healing. “Knowing I wasn’t alone made all the difference,” she reflects. “It’s still hard, but I’m learning to live with my choices and find strength in my journey.”
The trio are united by a shared plight, similar to Ngozi’s, whose life in Enugu is a testament to resilience and determination. A successful businesswoman, Ngozi had always been in control of her destiny. But when an unplanned pregnancy threatened to derail her career, she made a choice that would haunt her for years. “I thought I could handle it, that I could just move on,” Ngozi admits, her voice trembling. “But the guilt and regret were like a constant weight on my shoulders.”
The abortion was a clinical procedure in a private hospital, far removed from the dangerous backstreet clinics. Yet, despite the sterile environment, the emotional aftermath was anything but clean. “I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror,” she confides. “I felt like I had betrayed my own values, like I was unworthy of happiness,” Ngozi said, her once unwavering confidence shattered. She became withdrawn and consumed by self-loathing, struggling to find purpose in her life. It was only through the intervention of a compassionate friend that Ngozi began to seek help.
Recounting her experience, Ngozi reflects on a pivotal moment shaped by the STOP guidelines, which emphasise the importance of comprehensive care through Safety, Timeliness, Options, and Privacy. She recounts, “She didn’t judge me; she just listened.” This moment of empathy and support was pivotal for Ngozi. The counsellor’s encouragement to seek therapy marked the beginning of Ngozi’s journey toward healing. The support Ngozi received was not merely procedural but profoundly transformative. It helped her confront the trauma she had endured and start to rebuild her sense of self-worth. Through therapy, Ngozi began to address her emotional wounds and found solace, a crucial step in her recovery. Her experience with mental health support also ignited a new purpose in her life. She became a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and reproductive rights, driven by her personal journey.
“I realised that my story could help others,” Ngozi reflects with renewed determination. “I’m not defined by my past, but by how I choose to move forward.” This transformation highlights the profound impact that adhering to the STOP guidelines can have on individuals. By ensuring that care is provided with compassion and respect, the STOP guidelines underscore the essential role of counselling in healing and empowerment.
Ngozi’s story illustrates the power of the STOP framework in enhancing abortion care. By prioritising Safety, Timeliness, Options, and Privacy, the guidelines not only help reduce the dangers associated with unsafe procedures but also support women’s emotional and psychological well-being. Through these principles, healthcare providers can offer high-quality, patient-centred care that fosters healing and supports women’s autonomy and dignity. In addressing Nigeria’s challenging abortion statistics, embracing the STOP guidelines can lead to meaningful improvements in both the quality of care and the overall health outcomes for women. Ngozi’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of compassionate care, demonstrating that, when women receive support that respects their dignity and choices, they can overcome their challenges and contribute positively to the community.
Periscoping the abortion landscape in Nigeria
Abortion, a deeply complex and contentious issue in Nigeria, is shaped by a multifaceted blend of cultural, religious and legal factors, creating a challenging landscape for women seeking reproductive health services. The rich cultural tapestry, interwoven with diverse traditions and beliefs, significantly influences perspectives on abortion, presenting a complex dilemma that urgently calls for reform.
To exacerbate the situation, cultural attitudes toward abortion are often reinforced by the teachings of the country’s major religions. Both Christianity and Islam, the predominant faiths, generally oppose abortion on the grounds of the sanctity of life, profoundly shaping public opinion and reproductive health policies. In Islam for example, the topic of abortion is approached with considerable nuance, reflecting the religion’s deep respect for the sanctity of life. Central to Islamic thought is the belief that human life is sacred and must be protected. This principle underpins the general stance on abortion, which varies depending on the stage of pregnancy and the circumstances surrounding it. The Quran and Hadith place significant emphasis on the protection of life, establishing a strong foundation for the prohibition against taking life unjustly. Abortion is typically viewed as a serious matter due to the belief that human life begins at conception, though the specific timing of ensoulment—the moment when the soul is believed to enter the foetus—plays a crucial role in determining the permissibility of abortion.
According to many Islamic scholars, ensoulment is thought to occur around 120 days into the pregnancy, or roughly four months. This belief is based on Hadiths that suggest the soul enters the foetus at this stage. Consequently, abortion is generally considered impermissible after this period unless there are compelling reasons. Before this point, there is more flexibility, but opinions vary among different scholars and schools of thought. Exceptions to the prohibition on abortion include situations where continuing the pregnancy poses a serious risk to the mother’s life or health. In such cases, clerics say preserving the life of the mother is prioritised, and abortion may be permitted. Additionally, some scholars allow abortion if severe foetal abnormalities are detected, particularly if these abnormalities are so severe that the child would face immense suffering or would not survive long after birth.
However, abortion for social or economic reasons is typically not permitted in Islam. The religion emphasises the responsibility of providing for a child and the sanctity of life, suggesting that decisions around abortion should be approached with this in mind. The interpretation of these principles can differ based on the Islamic jurisprudence school one follows—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, or Hanbali—each offering its own perspective on the issue. Additionally, as clerics explained, local cultural and legal contexts can influence how these principles are applied in different Muslim-majority countries.
In Christianity, abortion is also approached through a variety of interpretations, reflecting the diverse beliefs within the world’s most followed religion. Also, central to most Christian views on abortion is the belief in the sanctity of human life. Christian perspectives on abortion often emphasise that life is sacred from conception or an early stage of pregnancy. This belief is supported by passages in the Bible such as Psalm 139:13-16, which speaks of God’s involvement in the formation of life in the womb, and Jeremiah 1:5, which suggests that God knows individuals even before they are born. These scriptures contribute to the view that human life begins at conception and should be protected.
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But in Roman Catholicism, the stance on abortion is notably strict. The Catholic Church teaches that life begins at conception and that abortion is morally unacceptable in all circumstances except perhaps to save the life of the mother. This position is grounded in the belief that every human life is sacred from the moment of conception until natural death. The Church’s teaching is clear in its opposition to abortion, reflecting its deep commitment to the sanctity of life. Similarly, the Eastern Orthodox Church holds a generally opposing view on abortion, considering it a serious moral wrong. Orthodox teachings align with the belief in the sanctity of life from conception, though they recognise that complex situations may arise. In cases where the mother’s life is in danger, the Orthodox Church may allow for abortion, though this is typically viewed as a last resort.
The law versus moral sentiments
Nigeria’s abortion laws are shaped by a combination of cultural, religious and legal factors, resulting in a highly restrictive environment. The legal framework is governed by two primary codes: the Criminal Code, which applies to the southern regions, and the Penal Code, which is in effect in the northern regions. Both codes impose stringent restrictions on abortion, allowing it only under very specific circumstances.
In southern Nigeria, where the Criminal Code prevails, abortion is prohibited except when it is necessary to save the life of the mother. Those who perform or assist in an abortion, including using abortion-inducing drugs, face severe legal consequences. The Criminal Code stipulates imprisonment for up to 14 years for anyone involved in such procedures. Similarly, in the northern regions of Nigeria, where the Penal Code is enforced, abortion is also illegal except to save the life of the mother. The Penal Code prescribes the same level of imprisonment—up to 14 years—for individuals who perform or facilitate an abortion. This includes women who seek abortions and those who provide or use abortion-inducing drugs.
According to abortion rights advocates, the legal restrictions reflect the deep cultural and religious influences across Nigeria. In the predominantly Muslim northern states, the Penal Code governs abortion laws, while in the predominantly Christian southern states, the Criminal Code is applied. Despite the regional differences in legal codes, the underlying restrictions and penalties are similar, largely driven by the country’s strong opposition to abortion rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. The restrictive nature of these laws creates significant challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system. Access to safe abortion services is extremely limited due to the stigma associated with abortion and the unclear guidelines regarding permissible exceptions. As a result, many women are forced to seek unsafe methods or clandestine procedures, which can lead to serious health complications or even death.
In Nigeria, abortion laws and guidelines vary significantly by state due to differences in local regulations and interpretations of federal laws. Lagos State, for example, the Lagos State Ministry of Health issued guidelines to provide clearer regulations on the circumstances under which abortions can be legally performed. In Osun State, guidelines have been implemented to regulate abortion services with a focus on medical and health-related justifications. The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has specific regulations and guidelines for abortion services, influenced by federal laws and policies. Similarly, Ekiti and Ogun states have developed their own guidelines that outline a framework for abortion services, emphasising health and safety considerations.
Despite these state-level guidelines, Nigeria’s overall legal framework for abortion remains highly restrictive and conservative. These state-specific regulations operate within the broader context of national laws and prevailing cultural attitudes, which frequently limit access to abortion services throughout the country. For example, Lagos State’s progressive abortion guidelines, introduced in 2020 to enhance access to safe abortion services under certain conditions—such as health risks to the mother or severe fetal abnormalities—were developed by leading medical and legal experts to address critical healthcare needs. However, these guidelines faced significant backlash from religious and social groups, leading to their suspension. Similarly, in 2023, Anambra State introduced guidelines intended to improve access to safe abortion services under specific conditions, but these also encountered strong opposition, resulting in their suspension. This ongoing situation underscores the persistent conflict between advancing healthcare policies and deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs in Nigeria. Consequently, both Lagos and Anambra states reverted to the more restrictive national legal framework on abortion, illustrating the complex interplay of legal, cultural and political factors that shape reproductive health policies.
The impact on women navigating Nigeria’s abortion landscape is both profound and distressing. Dr. Kehinde Okunade, Secretary of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) in Lagos, underscores that severe legal penalties surrounding abortion deter both women and healthcare professionals from pursuing legal services. This climate of fear frequently drives women toward unsafe and dangerous alternatives. The legal and social barriers create formidable obstacles for women seeking safe abortion care, highlighting the urgent need for legal reform to protect their health and rights.
Reproductive health experts assert that this restrictive legal framework does not diminish the demand for abortions but pushes it into clandestine settings, where procedures are performed under unsafe conditions that endanger women’s lives. The complex interplay of cultural, religious and legal factors creates an environment rife with challenges, including legal risks, health hazards, and deep-seated fears of societal rejection and moral condemnation. This amalgamation of issues contributes to a concealed crisis, where the experiences and voices of women are often marginalised and ignored, further emphasising the necessity for thoughtful and compassionate reform.
Dr. Moriam Olaide Jagun, Executive Director of the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps (CBHGaps), highlights a critical issue: unsafe, clandestine abortions contribute to approximately 6,000 maternal deaths each year. The pervasive climate of fear often deters medical professionals from performing abortions, even when legally permitted, exacerbating the crisis. This hesitation disproportionately impacts marginalized and vulnerable populations, as wealthier individuals can more readily access safe abortion services.
The consequences are severe. Dr. Jagun emphasises that high maternal mortality rates adversely affect families, particularly existing children, by threatening their survival and overall well-being. Families face reduced incomes, and female children may be forced into caregiving roles, which can lead to school dropouts and perpetuate cycles of poverty. Cultural factors—such as prevailing norms, stigma, and discrimination—further complicate the issue, while hypocrisy also plays a role, as attitudes towards abortion can shift depending on who is affected.
Efforts by medical associations, such as the Nigerian Medical Association and the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to broaden legal indications for abortion have been stymied by religious and moral objections. Dr. Jagun argues that the enforcement of legal standards should be the domain of the police and judiciary, rather than being swayed by moral judgments. She emphasises that men and community leaders must play a pivotal role in driving change by fostering empathy and reducing stigma. Advocacy should focus on the effective implementation of existing laws and addressing gaps in legal indications, such as those related to malformed foetuses. Dr. Jagun calls for a united effort to overcome cultural and religious barriers, ensuring that abortion laws are applied fairly and effectively to safeguard women’s health and rights.
Inside Nigeria’s frightening abortion statistics
Nigeria’s abortion statistics present a stark and alarming picture, reflecting a crisis that is both deeply entrenched and profoundly urgent. The scale of the issue is underscored by data from reputable organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the Guttmacher Institute, and the World Bank. Reports from these credible institutions portray the gravity of Nigeria’s abortion statistics, revealing the interplay of unsafe practices, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and socio-cultural barriers that exacerbate the problem.
Abortion remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, where restrictive laws and societal attitudes converge to create a perilous environment for women seeking this essential medical procedure. According to the Guttmacher Institute, Nigeria experiences one of the highest rates of unsafe abortions in the world. It is estimated that approximately 1.25 million abortions occur annually in Nigeria, with nearly 40% of these being unsafe—a statistic that places Nigeria among the highest in terms of unsafe abortion rates globally. This dire situation is compounded by the fact that about 50,000 women die each year due to complications arising from unsafe abortions, translating to an average of around 140 maternal deaths per day.
Unsafe abortions are a significant public health challenge, with the WHO reporting that they contribute substantially to maternal mortality rates. Unsafe abortion procedures are often carried out under unsanitary conditions, by untrained practitioners, or through hazardous methods that endanger the lives of women. The NDHS reveals that maternal mortality in Nigeria stands at an alarming rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, a figure that starkly highlights the broader implications of unsafe abortion practices.
But the impact of unsafe abortions extends beyond the immediate health risks. According to Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, a community medicine/public health expert and president of the Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), who reiterates that unsafe abortion is the fourth leading cause of death among pregnant women in low and medium-income countries, warns that women who undergo unsafe abortions are at a higher risk of developing long-term complications, including chronic pain, infection, bleeding, infertility, psychological trauma, and even death. These complications can drastically affect a woman’s quality of life, further entrenching cycles of poverty and marginalisation, particularly in a country where access to healthcare services is already limited.
“Interestingly and importantly, unsafe abortion is preventable; that is why we must act to prevent unsafe abortions. In Africa, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, about three- quarters of abortions are unsafe and that is why the risk of dying is very high in Africa and remains a challenge. The proportion that has an unsafe abortion in West Africa amounts to 85 per cent while; less than 15 per cent have a safe abortion in some advanced economic nations. Abortion becomes unsafe when there is a lack of access to safe abortion; often but not always determined by the legal restriction,” he said during a webinar in 2021 on media coverage of unsafe abortion in Nigeria.
Prof Fatusi and other experts are united in their belief that the restrictive legal framework surrounding abortion in Nigeria exacerbates the issue. The country’s abortion laws are among the most stringent in the world, permitting abortion only under very limited circumstances, such as to save the life of the woman or in cases of rape or incest. This legal rigidity leaves many women without recourse to safe and legal abortion services, forcing them into the hands of clandestine providers. The Guttmacher Institute highlights that 88% of abortions in Nigeria are performed illegally, often in dangerous conditions that further jeopardise women’s health.
Cultural and religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards abortion in Nigeria. The country’s diverse population includes a range of religious and cultural perspectives, many of which are strongly opposed to abortion. These attitudes contribute to the stigma and secrecy surrounding the procedure, discouraging women from seeking help and reinforcing barriers to accessing safe services. The World Bank underscores that societal attitudes and cultural norms are critical factors influencing reproductive health outcomes, and Nigeria’s restrictive environment is a stark example of how these factors can hinder progress.
The repercussions of high maternal mortality rates and unsafe abortions extend beyond individual health concerns to impact broader socio-economic structures. Families affected by the loss of a mother face significant economic burdens, including loss of income and increased caregiving responsibilities. According to the World Bank, the economic impact of maternal mortality and morbidity is substantial, with families often facing reduced household income and increased healthcare costs. Moreover, the ripple effects of unsafe abortions can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality. The Guttmacher Institute points out that women who experience complications from unsafe abortions are often forced to leave the workforce or reduce their economic activities, further entrenching their socio-economic disadvantage. Female children in these families may also face increased responsibilities, such as caregiving or household duties, which can lead to school dropouts and reduced future economic opportunities.
‘Right to abortion as a human right issue’
The WHO and the United Nations (UN) have articulated clear and compelling positions regarding the right to abortion, underscoring its significance as a crucial component of reproductive health and human rights. These positions emphasise the necessity of ensuring safe, legal, and accessible abortion services to protect women’s health and promote gender equality. In its “Safe abortion: Technical and policy guidance for health systems” (2012), the WHO asserts, “Safe abortion is a core component of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Access to safe abortion services is essential to preventing unsafe abortions and reducing maternal deaths.” This statement underscores the critical role of legally sanctioned, medically supervised abortions in safeguarding women’s health. Unsafe abortion procedures, which often result from restrictive laws and limited access to care, significantly contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity. The WHO’s position is clear: to protect women’s health and save lives, access to safe abortion services must be guaranteed.
The WHO further elaborates on the impact of restrictive abortion laws in its “Abortion care guideline” (2022), noting, “Legal restrictions on abortion do not reduce the number of abortions but rather force women to seek unsafe procedures. Ensuring that abortion services are safe, legal, and accessible is vital for improving maternal health outcomes and achieving health equity.” This guidance highlights a fundamental truth: restrictive laws do not decrease the incidence of abortion but instead push women towards unsafe, clandestine procedures that endanger their lives. The WHO advocates for removing legal barriers to ensure that abortion services are safe, accessible, and equitable, thus improving overall health outcomes.
In its broader view on reproductive rights, the WHO’s “Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health” (2016) stresses, “Women’s reproductive rights are human rights. Every woman should have access to safe and legal abortion services, free from coercion, stigma and discrimination. These rights are essential to achieving health and well-being.” This perspective positions reproductive rights, including access to safe abortion, as fundamental human rights. Upholding these rights is essential not only for women’s health but also for their overall well-being.
Similarly, the United Nations also staunchly supports the right to safe and legal abortion as a cornerstone of reproductive health and human rights. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) asserts, “Every woman has the right to make decisions about her own body and to access quality sexual and reproductive health services. This includes the right to safe and legal abortion. Access to abortion care is critical to ensuring women’s health, dignity, and autonomy.” This statement from the UNFPA reinforces the idea that reproductive autonomy, including the right to choose abortion, is vital for women’s health, dignity and independence.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which oversees the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, has highlighted the importance of access to safe abortion services. CEDAW states, “States parties should ensure that laws regulating abortion do not result in women being forced to seek unsafe procedures. Adequate health care services, including safe abortion, must be accessible to all women.” This position underscores the need for legal frameworks that facilitate access to safe and legal abortion services. Restrictive laws that lead women to seek unsafe procedures are seen as a violation of their rights and health.
In relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN emphasises the importance of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion. The UN Secretary-General’s Strategy on Youth (2018) notes, “To achieve SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), countries must ensure that every woman and girl has access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion. This is vital for reducing maternal mortality and improving overall health outcomes.” This statement reflects the UN’s recognition that access to safe abortion is crucial for achieving health-related SDG targets and improving health outcomes for women and girls.
The UN Human Rights Committee has also affirmed that restrictive abortion laws infringe upon women’s human rights. The Committee states, “Restrictions on abortion services, particularly those that lead to unsafe procedures, violate women’s rights to health, privacy, and life. The international human rights framework supports the decriminalisation of abortion and the provision of safe, legal services.” This position highlights that restrictive laws can violate fundamental human rights, including the rights to health, privacy, and life. The Committee advocates for the decriminalization of abortion and the availability of safe and legal services as crucial for protecting women’s rights.
The way forward
Despite the progress made in advocating for safe and legal abortion, the Nigerian context remains fraught with challenges. Women often seek abortions due to unintended pregnancies, inadequate access to contraception, socio-economic pressures, and the stigma associated with pregnancy outside of marriage. These factors not only complicate their decision-making but also heighten their vulnerability. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach. Improving access to contraception, ensuring safe abortion services, and training healthcare providers are crucial steps.
Juliet Ottoh, a clinical psychiatrist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), emphasises the crucial role of mental health support in empowering women to navigate their choices and assert their autonomy. “We believe that a policy focused on improving mental health support for women should encourage them to speak up for themselves, set boundaries, and understand and navigate their strengths and weaknesses,” she asserts. Ottoh underscores that such a policy should also foster independence and self-sufficiency. “When a woman is self-sufficient, she is better equipped to handle complex situations,” she adds.
However, the current statistics reveal that significant work remains. Ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services is not merely a matter of healthcare but a fundamental human right linked to gender equality. As Okunade highlights, legalising abortion helps women access regulated medical care, reduces complications, and combats the dangerous practice of unsafe, clandestine abortions. Denying abortion access perpetuates inequality and health disparities, particularly among marginalised communities.
Advocates assert that reproductive rights are integral to gender equality, enabling women to make informed choices about their futures, pursue education and careers, and fully participate in society. Evidence from countries with legal abortion indicates better reproductive health outcomes and lower maternal mortality rates. Thus, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, access to contraceptives, and affordable healthcare are essential to protecting women’s rights. Ultimately, the quest for safe and legal abortion in Nigeria is about affirming women’s right to make decisions about their own bodies. As global and local movements continue to evolve, advocates believe it is crucial to uphold and advance these rights, ensuring that every woman can make choices free from stigma and coercion, with full respect for her dignity and autonomy.
