Abortion Policy in Nigeria: A Challenging National Health Concern

Abstract

Introduction: Unsafe abortion cases resulting from the prohibition of abortion in Nigeria continue to be growing exponentially. Abortion cases and their related complications are a public health concern. Over one million abortions are estimated to be carried out annually in Nigeria with related morbidity, mortality, and complications under the country's restrictive abortion policy. However, the law remains static and fails to approach the current realities as abortion-related offences still carry 14 years of jail terms. This has forced people to seek abortion clandestinely through unsafe hands. Nigeria has two different abortion laws. The northern part of the country is ruled by the Penal Code 18 of 1959, while the southern part is governed by the Criminal Code of 1916. Both Codes strictly prohibit abortion. Purpose:This paper aims to examine abortion law in Nigeria, its effect on women, especially women of reproductive age, and make pertinent recommendations that can improve the current situation. Conclusion: Relaxing the very restrictive abortion law will encourage safe abortion practices by fostering easy access to quality post-abortion-related care. This will reduce complications leading to morbidities and mortalities. Recommendation: A repeal and re-enactment of the existing abortion law should be done. The new law should consider pregnant women's mental or emotional health, especially women who are victims of incest or rape. Such women should be allowed to have access to abortion. The law should also be devoid of third-party authorizations for minors and married women. In other words, the new law should exclude discrimination on the grounds of age and marriage.