NGO Advocates for Expanded Reproductive Rights in Nigeria

An NGO has called for the expansion of reproductive rights in Nigeria, particularly emphasizing the need for safe access to termination of unplanned pregnancies. This call was made during a two-day training event held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, themed "Judiciary Advancing Reproductive Rights in Nigeria." Legal practitioner Bamidel Jacob highlighted the challenges women and girls face when becoming pregnant due to rape, insurgency, banditry, and incest.

He noted that Nigeria's restrictive laws on safe termination of pregnancies compel survivors to carry pregnancies to term, with the law only permitting termination when a woman's life is at risk, excluding survivors of sexual violence. Jacob pointed out that Nigeria's laws contradict the Maputo Protocol, which allows for termination in cases of rape and incest.

He urged for state law reforms to decriminalize safe termination of pregnancies and to adopt legislation consistent with the Maputo Protocol, thereby supporting initiatives in Ogun State to protect healthcare providers and expand access to reproductive healthcare.