Despite global progress in women’s health and rights, Nigeria’s restrictive Abortion laws, which have remained unchanged since 1907, continue to put thousands of women’s lives at risk every year. These colonial-era regulations leave women exposed to unsafe, often fatal procedures, while countries worldwide have updated their laws to safeguard the health and autonomy of women. The failure to modernise Nigeria’s abortion laws not only keeps women vulnerable but also contributes to one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, stalling efforts for progress and equality.
Across the globe, countries with progressive abortion policies have seen drastic improvements in maternal health. Ethiopia revised its abortion laws in 2005, allowing for safe terminations in cases of rape, incest, or risk to the mother’s life, and consequently reduced abortion-related deaths significantly. South Africa’s liberalised abortion laws, introduced in 1996, ensured that women could access safe procedures in regulated health facilities, leading to lower maternal mortality rates. Even predominantly Catholic countries like Ireland have made reforms; in 2018, it legalised abortion after decades of restrictive laws, recognising the importance of protecting women’s health and rights. These examples highlight the potential for Nigeria to achieve similar progress through legal reform
Restrictive abortion laws continue to put women’s health at risk.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s abortion laws are a remnant of colonial rule, criminalising terminations except to save a woman’s life. These laws do not account for modern realities, such as pregnancies resulting from sexual violence, incest, human trafficking, and other forms of sexual exploitation. Doctors often hesitate to perform necessary procedures, fearing legal consequences. Meanwhile, women are left with no choice but to seek unsafe, secretive methods, which carry significant risks, including death. This outdated legal framework leaves Nigerian women vulnerable and Healthcare Providers restricted from offering essential care.
According to research by the Guttmacher Institute, an estimated 456,000 unsafe abortions are performed annually in Nigeria. A joint study by the Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Nigeria, along with Nigeria’s Ministry of Health, found that about 20,000 women undergo unsafe abortions each year. This leads to severe physical complications, infertility, and long-lasting psychological trauma for many survivors. In contrast, countries with less restrictive abortion laws. The UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that England and Wales, have seen near-zero deaths from abortion-related complications, due to widespread access to safe procedures. For women in Nigeria, the consequences of unsafe abortions are not only physical but also social, as they often face lifelong stigma and isolation.
Comprehensive post-abortion care and education can save lives.
Beyond the restrictive laws, systemic barriers intensify the crisis. Rural communities lack access to contraceptives and reproductive health services, leaving women with little control over their bodies. Cultural and religious stigmas further suppress open discussions about Family Planning and reproductive rights. Adolescent girls are disproportionately affected, with Nigeria’s teenage pregnancy rate among the highest in the world, often forcing young girls into desperate decisions. Meanwhile, countries like Sweden, where comprehensive sex Education and free contraception are prioritised, report some of the lowest rates of unintended pregnancies globally.
Nigeria can take meaningful steps to address this crisis by expanding post-abortion care services to treat complications from unsafe procedures and offer counselling to affected women. Increasing access to contraceptives, particularly in rural areas, through subsidised long-acting methods like implants and IUDs is crucial. Confidential reproductive health hotlines could provide women with guidance and referrals to safe, qualified practitioners, while comprehensive training for healthcare workers in reproductive care would ensure safety and reduce stigma. Additionally, age-appropriate reproductive health education must be introduced in schools, empowering young people with knowledge about consent, contraception, and health risks.
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Ultimately, the debate around abortion in Nigeria should not be reduced to moral arguments while women continue to die. Reforming these outdated laws is not about encouraging promiscuity but about protecting lives and upholding human dignity. Countries like Ireland, Ethiopia, and South Africa demonstrate that it is possible to balance societal values with the need for safe and humane reproductive healthcare. By prioritising reproductive health policies, Nigeria can reduce maternal mortality and give women the tools to make informed decisions about their own bodies. It is time to address this silent crisis with empathy and urgency. No woman should have to choose between her life and her dignity because of laws that no longer reflect the realities of the 21st century. Lives are at stake, and the time for change is now.