FG to decriminalise abortion in Nigeria
The federal government of Nigeria is taking steps towards decriminalising abortion in the country, according to Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, the Director of the Family Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Health.
Dr. Ukaire made this announcement during the SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) Summit 1.0 in Abuja, held to mark this year’s World Contraception Day.
Themed “A Choice for All: Freedom to Plan, Power to Choose,” the summit highlighted the importance of reproductive rights for women and girls.
Speaking through Barrister Nma Ogbonna, Head of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry, Dr. Ukaire pointed out that sections 288 to 290 of the Nigerian Criminal Code criminalise abortion.
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However, the government is now seeing the necessity of addressing the dangers posed to girls and women of reproductive age, many of whom have died due to unsafe abortion procedures.
She stated, “Government is going to make sure that it [abortion] is no longer a criminal act, because even the doctor who performs the act is at risk of facing up to 14 years in prison.”
The Health Promotion Department is working to educate the public about sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Dr. Elijah Olushola, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Board, revealed that 20% to 30% of maternal deaths in Nigeria are linked to unsafe abortions, especially among adolescents and young women. He stressed the need for the government to review the country’s abortion laws.
Additionally, Dr. Lucky Palmer, Country Director of IPas Nigeria Health Foundation, highlighted the connection between unplanned pregnancies and maternal deaths, stating that over 1,500 maternal deaths annually in Nigeria are due to unplanned pregnancies.
He emphasised that these deaths could be prevented with better access to contraceptives.
This move to decriminalise abortion is part of broader efforts to protect women’s reproductive rights and reduce the number of unsafe abortions in Nigeria.
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