Advocacy Group Identifies Factors Hindering Access to Safe Abortion in Nigeria
Stakeholders at a one-day advocacy meeting convened by Gender Development Initiative (GenDi) have identified limited public awareness regarding the legal exceptions for abortion—particularly for victims of rape, incest, and those with serious health conditions—as a major factor hindering access to safe abortion in Nigeria.
The group noted that criminalization and the strong stigma associated with abortion continue to contribute significantly to the high incidence of unsafe procedures, underscoring the urgent need for widespread community engagement and sustained dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
Speaking at the advocacy meeting—attended by coalition members from Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti States and held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital—the Executive Director of GenDi, Professor Olubunmi Ashimolowo, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in improving access to safe reproductive health services, especially for individuals facing exceptional circumstances such as rape, incest, or critical physical and mental health risks.
She stated that GenDi, a women-led NGO established in 2006, was founded to drive policy dialogue, build CSO capacity, and mobilize communities around critical Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) issues.
“GenDi’s project remains committed to fostering inclusive, evidence-based advocacy for reproductive justice. Through sustained collaboration and unified action, we are building a resilient movement to reduce unsafe abortion practices and protect the dignity, rights, and health of vulnerable women and girls,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr. Tayo Akinpelu emphasized the significant role of cultural and religious beliefs in shaping public opinion and generating resistance to SRHR discourse. He noted that such factors often fuel stigma and misinformation, particularly regarding services for adolescents and young people.
“Adolescents and young people face multiple barriers to accessing youth-friendly services and accurate information. This leaves them at risk of early pregnancies and unsafe practices, especially when they lack support after experiencing sexual violence,” he said.
The meeting highlighted persistent challenges such as limited access to post-abortion care and counselling. Participants noted that many women are left without adequate support during and after such traumatic experiences. They called on coalition members to sustain inter-state collaboration and deepen engagement with key stakeholders—including lawmakers, health professionals, and community leaders—to foster an enabling environment for care, particularly in exceptional situations.
There was also a robust discussion on legal frameworks governing abortion in Nigeria. It was emphasized that abortion is predominantly criminalized under Nigerian law—the Criminal Code (Southern states) and Penal Code (Northern states)—with exceptions only when the life of the mother is at risk. However, some states like Osun and Delta have made progress by recognizing rape and incest as legal grounds for abortion under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
The advocacy group cited the Rex v. Bourne case, a landmark ruling that interprets mental and physical health as being in linear relation to the life of the mother, a perspective that should inform broader legal reforms in Nigeria.
Participants also raised the issue of equity, noting that while women across social classes seek abortions, it is the vulnerable and disadvantaged women—including those in rural or low-income settings—who are more likely to undergo unsafe abortions due to lack of access to quality services.
Ongoing efforts highlighted include increasing legal literacy, engaging policymakers, building the capacity of health workers, promoting youth inclusion, and generating community-based evidence through surveys, focus group discussions, and local dialogues.
State-specific updates were shared, with Ogun State noted for improving access to reproductive health services for survivors of rape and incest, and in cases where pregnancy poses serious physical or mental health threats. The state’s rights-based, consent-driven approach was praised as a model for peer learning and advocacy.
The group concluded by encouraging multi-stakeholder partnerships with state institutions, professional associations, and women’s rights organizations to advocate for clearer guidelines and improved support systems.
“These strategies highlight the multi-pronged approach required to protect the reproductive health and well-being of women and girls—especially in contexts where the law is restrictive and stigma is high,” the group concluded.
