Ogun State Assembly Passes Controversial Abortion Bill

On September 24, 2026, the Ogun State House of Assembly passed the Ogun State Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2026, which was subsequently forwarded to the Governor for assent. The law aims to legalize abortion in Ogun State, detailing various grounds for obtaining an abortion based on gestational stages and circumstances.

Within the first 12 weeks of gestation, a woman may seek an abortion after counseling without needing specific justification. Between 12 and 24 weeks, abortion is permitted if the pregnancy poses risks to the woman's health or results from rape or incest.

Beyond these periods, abortion is allowed under conditions such as endangerment to the woman's life or severe fetal conditions. Notably, the law allows women from age 10 to have an abortion, with parental consent required for those under 18.

The law raises constitutional concerns due to its conflict with existing criminal laws in Southern Nigeria, which criminalize various acts associated with procuring a miscarriage.