Globally, access to safe Abortion is still a hotly debated topic, and recent changes in policy have further curtailed reproductive rights. Reproductive healthcare has suffered, especially in Nigeria, as a result of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organisation ruling by the US Supreme Court, the possible reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule (GGR), and the suspension of the Lagos State Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) guideline. Nigeria’s restrictive abortion regulations, which encourage women to undergo risky operations, exacerbate the country’s already high maternal mortality rate (512 deaths per 100,000 live births).
According to the World Health Organisation, 10–13% of maternal deaths in Nigeria are caused by unsafe abortion. Women who are marginalised, especially those who cannot afford safe alternatives, are disproportionately harmed by such laws. Reduced access to reproductive health care has traditionally resulted from the Global Gag Rule (GGR), a US Regulation that prohibits international organisations that accept US funding from offering or promoting abortion services. Public Health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria, have gotten worse as a result of clinic closures and cuts to HIV prevention and maternal care programs during Republican regimes.
Research indicates that the GGR increases unsafe procedures.
The Dobbs v. Jackson ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade and strengthened conservative resistance against progressive policies, has affected international advocacy and funding for reproductive healthcare. Research indicates that the GGR, which restricts access to contraception and reproductive care, increases unsafe procedures rather than lowering abortion rates. The Lagos State STOP guideline, which was introduced in June 2022, sought to clarify the legal framework for abortion to save a woman’s life and preserve her health.
Though access to safe abortion services is a critical determinant of Maternal Health outcomes globally, the policy was suspended within a week after opposition from anti-choice groups, leaving women at risk and Healthcare Providers uncertain. The lack of clear legal guidance prevents doctors from providing necessary medical care, further straining Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system. Comparative analyses show that countries with liberal abortion laws tend to have significantly lower maternal mortality rates compared to those with restrictive laws.
Restrictive abortion regulations force women to seek risky procedures.
In countries where abortion is widely permitted, for example, the maternal mortality rate is about one death for every 100,000 live births. The rate rises to roughly 34 deaths per 100,000 live births in nations with tight abortion restrictions, on the other hand. The impact of legislative frameworks on women’s safety and health is highlighted by this striking discrepancy. The common argument made by those opposed to abortion Legislation liberalisation is that allowing abortions could result in a rise in abortion rates and a moral fall. However, these statements are refuted by evidence. Restrictive abortion regulations, according to studies, force women to seek risky procedures rather than lowering the number of abortions.
Furthermore, because they have easier access to contraception and thorough sexual education, nations with liberal abortion legislation tend to have lower abortion rates. Nigeria’s severe abortion laws also present serious difficulties for healthcare providers. Even when the mother’s life is in danger, many doctors are reluctant to carry out life-saving treatments out of concern for potential legal consequences. In addition to putting patients in danger, this legal ambiguity puts medical personnel in difficult moral situations. Nigeria could think about a number of legal reforms, such as decriminalisation, regulatory framework implementation, and clarification of legal exceptions, to solve these urgent problems.
Related Article: The need for abortion law reform in Nigeria
Local groups are essential in reducing the negative consequences of restrictive laws such as the Global Gag Rule (GGR). Creating alliances with foreign partners can also assist in overcoming the GGR’s funding restrictions. To defend reproductive rights, a number of grassroots and advocacy groups are operating in Nigeria. At the forefront are groups like the Coalition for the Defence of Sexual and Reproductive Rights (CDSRR) and the Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC), who carry out studies, offer assistance, and participate in policy discussions to promote the rights and health of women.