Nigeria has progressive policies but restrictive laws — Dupe Awosemusi

January 28, 2026
Adeola Ojo

Dupe Awosemusi is a woman with many hats and a record that speaks of commitment, passion and hardwork. She is an astute legal practitioner, a social worker and the pioneer Coordinator of Oyo State Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team, domiciled in ministry of Justice, Oyo State; former Chairperson of FIDA, Oyo State and currently a Director in Ministry of Justice. In this interview with ADEOLA OJO, she speaks on restrictive abortion laws, high morbidity and mortality rate in Nigeria and reproductive health laws among others.

There seems to be an alarming rate of morbidity and mortality from unsafe termination of pregnancies in Nigeria, is this right?
Yes — there is indeed an alarmingly high rate of both morbidity (health complications) and mortality (death) from unsafe termination of pregnancies in Nigeria, and it remains a serious public health concern.

Continued: https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigeria-has-progressive-policies-but-restrictive-laws-dupe-awosemusi/amp/

28.01.2026

Reproductive Justice initiative Foundation

NIGERIA – As Abuja court affirms right to safe abortion for sexual violence survivors

As Abuja court affirms right to safe abortion for sexual violence survivors

By Caroline Wambui
September 29, 2025

For far too long, survivors of rape and incest in Nigeria have faced significant challenges, second trauma: being forced by law and stigma to carry unwanted pregnancies.

A Federal High Court judgement in Abuja may finally begin to change that reality. In June 2025, Hon. Justice Olotu delivered a groundbreaking judgment affirming that when a woman or girl is impregnated through sexual violence, forcing her to continue the pregnancy violates her fundamental rights.

Continued: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/as-abuja-court-affirms-right-to-safe-abortion-for-sexual-violence-survivors/

Five Wins to Celebrate this International Safe Abortion Day

September 28 is International Safe Abortion Day, a chance to shine a light on the crucial role that accessible, quality abortion care plays in global health. These five wins for abortion rights are proof that a better future is not only possible—it’s already in the making.

Center for Reproductive Rights
09.26.2025

Abortion is one of the world’s most common health care services. It’s considered an essential service by the World Health Organization—and when carried out properly, it’s also a safe and simple one.

Almost 30% of all pregnancies end in abortions, and they happen all around the world: in places where they’re legal, restricted, and altogether banned. In fact, the legal status of abortion makes little difference in overall abortion rates.

Continued: https://reproductiverights.org/five-wins-international-safe-abortion-day-2025/

Nigeria affirms right to abortion for survivors of sexual violence

July 23, 2025
Ipas

In a landmark decision in June 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed that unplanned pregnancies resulting from rape, incest and other forms of sexual violence is a violation of the rights of women and girls.

“The ruling is a welcome development, as this is the first time a superior court in Nigeria has recognized that pregnancies arising from sexual violence not only harm a woman’s physical health but also her mental wellbeing,” says Lucky Palmer, director of the Ipas Nigerian Health Foundation. “The decision represents a critical legal precedent and a significant stride toward safeguarding the bodily autonomy and dignity of women and girls in Nigeria.”

Continued: https://www.ipas.org/news/nigeria-affirms-right-to-abortion-for-survivors-of-sexual-violence/

23.07.2025

News

Ipas

Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation

Lucky Palmer

rape and abortion

Reproductive Justice initiative Foundation

sexual violence and abortion

Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act

Advancing Expansion Of Access To Safe Abortion In Nigeria

By Hameed Oyegbade
June 26, 2025

The current rate of unsafe abortion in Nigeria remains a source of concern to many and has necessitated the consistent call for expansion of access to safe abortion in the country.

In Nigeria, abortion is illegal while the only legal way to have an abortion in Nigeria is if having the child is going to put the mother's life in danger. In other words, abortion is illegal in Nigeria and carries a heavy jail sentence of up to 14 years imprisonment, unless it is performed to save the life of the pregnant woman.

Continued: https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/352923/advancing-expansion-of-access-to-safe-abortion-in-nigeria.html#google_vignette

26.06.2025

News

African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights

Reproductive Justice initiative Foundation

Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria

IWD: Prioritize Women’s Lives, Reinstate Safe Termination Guidelines- Group Tells Govt

By Titilope Joseph
On Mar 6, 2024

In commemoration of the International Women’s day, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), a non-governmental Organization on Wednesday led over 500 women groups and communities on a Walk to demand the reinstatement of the repealed Lagos State Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancies.

WARDC and Over 500 women from various groups, communities and religious backgrounds made the demand during a peaceful walk that was held On March , 2024 in Ikeja, Lagos.

Continued: https://independent.ng/iwd-prioritize-womens-lives-reinstate-safe-termination-guidelines-group-tells-govt/

06.03.2024