Nigeria – Hidden cost of criminalising abortion in Lagos

The Eagle Online
July 28, 2026

Lagos State’s restrictive abortion laws have contributed to preventable deaths and other life-threatening complications. Yet the true scale of the crisis remains unknown, hidden by inadequate data, secrecy, stigma, and shame surrounding abortion. JULIANA FRANCIS examines the human cost of criminalising abortion, reliving the painful experiences of survivors and trauma borne by families who lost loved ones.

Death After Seeking Abortion From a Nurse
Pain, despair, and a hint of helplessness crisscrossed Amaka’s face as she recalled the events leading to the death of her younger sister, Ngozi, some years back. As Amaka struggled to rein in her emotions, she failed; tears streamed down her cheeks.

The reporter spoke with her at Ijegun in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, where her family resides. This was also where Ngozi resided until her death. Amaka, a Nollywood makeup artist, said that 22-year-old Ngozi died from a horrific abortion experience 10 years ago.

Continued: https://theeagleonline.com.ng/hidden-cost-of-criminalising-abortion-in-lagos-1-video/

28.07.2026

Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria

STOP guidelines for abortion

When Silence Becomes Dangerous: The Debate Over Maternal Health And Lagos’ STOP Guidelines

by Chioma Umeha
May 29, 2026

The conversation around reproductive healthcare in Nigeria rarely remains calm for long. In Lagos State, the ongoing suspension of the Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) guideline underscores the deep controversy and critical need surrounding safe abortion access. Worldwide, voices are increasingly advocating for decriminalisation to prevent unsafe practices and save lives. One of the recurring questions is: what happens to women whose pregnancies place their lives in danger when the healthcare system itself becomes uncertain about how to respond?

That question has resurfaced following renewed public debate over the suspension of Lagos State’s Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) Guidelines. Introduced to provide medical practitioners with clarity on managing complicated pregnancies within the boundaries of Nigerian law, the guidelines were suspended in 2022 amid controversy and public backlash. Since then, healthcare advocates, medical professionals and reproductive health organisations have continued to express concern that the suspension may have created more confusion than protection.

Continued: https://independent.ng/when-silence-becomes-dangerous-the-debate-over-maternal-health-and-lagos-stop-guidelines/

Nigeria – Maternal mortality: Experts warn Ogun residents against patronising quacks

January 31, 2026
By Gift Oba

In a bid to reduce maternal deaths caused by unsafe abortions, experts and stakeholders in Ogun State have warned residents to seek medical care from qualified and well-trained doctors rather than quacks.

The warning was given at a one-day training for civil society organisations on basic reproductive health issues and the reduction of unsafe abortions, held on Friday in Abeokuta.

The President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ogun State branch, Dr Deborah Osisanwo, explained that every life is important, especially that of mothers, and urged quacks to desist from terminating pregnancies but instead refer such cases to professional health practitioners.

Continued: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/31/maternal-mortality-experts-warn-ogun-residents-against-patronising-quacks/

31.01.2026

News

Dapo Wahaab

Dr Deborah Osisanwo

Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria

STOP guidelines for abortion

NIGERIA – CSO seeks reduction of abortion stigma, maternal mortality in Akwa Ibom

January 16, 2026
By Lovina Anthony

A Non Governmental Organisation in Akwa Ibom State, Milestone Initiative for Human Rights and Empowerment is leading discussions on how to reduce stigma associated with Safe Termination of Pregnancy, SToP, and maternal mortality rate in the state.

The stigma, according to the organisation is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, social norms and drives the rate of maternal mortality in the state. SToP guidelines are conditions necessary for safe abortion to be carried out within the law.

Continued: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/16/cso-seeks-reduction-of-abortion-stigma-maternal-mortality-in-akwa-ibom/

16.01.2026

Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation

maternal mortality

Milestone Initiative for Human Rights and Empowerment

Okposin Thompson

STOP guidelines for abortion

Behind the curtains: Inside Nigeria’s shadow network of abortion care

October 26, 2025
BY AYOMIDE LADIPO

The World Health Organisation recognises abortion as an essential health service to meet the global sustainable development goals. However, in 74 countries across the world, including Nigeria, abortion is illegal, with varying levels of punishment, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights. Abortion is completely prohibited in 24 countries, while in 50 others, termination of pregnancy is only permitted when the woman’s health is at risk.

In Nigeria, abortion is illegal and carries a jail sentence of up to 14 years, unless done to save the life of the pregnant woman, which means post-abortion care is legal. In the Constitution, the Criminal Code Sections 228-230 and Penal Code Sections 232 & 233 criminalise abortion for all parties involved, including the medical personnel, with a jail time of up to 14 years, while Section 297 of the Criminal Code allows for abortion to be done to preserve the mother’s life.

Continued: https://www.thecable.ng/behind-the-curtains-inside-nigerias-shadow-network-of-abortion-care/

Nigeria – Changing The Narrative: How Lagos Is Reimaging Abortion Care Through Empathy & Evidence

October 17, 2025
CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

In the vibrant, ever-changing city of Lagos, Nigeria, discussions about reproductive health are evolving. For decades, abortion has remained hidden behind silence, stigma, and misinformation, often leaving women feeling isolated, uninformed, and vulnerable. However, a new wave of advocacy, led by the Leadership Initiative for Youth Empowerment (LIFE), is challenging these false stories and pushing for a more compassionate, fact-based approach to abortion care.

This isn’t just about correcting facts; it’s about changing hearts, rebuilding trust, and ensuring that every woman who walks into a clinic is met with dignity, not judgment.

Continued: https://pmexpressng.com/changing-the-narrative-how-lagos-is-reimaging-abortion-care-through-empathy-evidence/

17.10.2025

Commentary

Bamidele Abiodun

Centre for Reproductive Rights

Leadership Initiative for Youth Empowerment

post-abortion care

STOP guidelines for abortion

NIGERIA – Ogun govt reaffirms commitment to SToP guideline, maternal deaths reduction

October 9, 2025
By Gift Oba

Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to implementing the Safe Termination of Pregnancy (SToP) guidelines, aimed at providing safe, legal abortion services within the boundaries permitted by the Nigerian law.

According to the government, this would help strengthen the state’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality by ensuring access to medically supervised and rights-based reproductive healthcare services.

Continued; https://dailypost.ng/2025/10/09/ogun-govt-reaffirms-commitment-to-stop-guideline-maternal-deaths-reduction/

09.10.2025

News

Center for Bridging Health Gaps

Safe Termination Of Pregnancy guidelines

STOP guidelines for abortion

World Abortion Day: Nigerian women’s health rights in focus

2nd October 2025
Ene Oshaba

Every year on September 28, the world commemorates International Safe Abortion Day, a day rooted in the struggle for women’s rights to health and dignity. Originally launched in 1990 by the Campaña 28 de Septiembre in Latin America and the Caribbean, the day has grown into a global movement, observed in over 60 countries. It is a reminder that the right to safe abortion is not only a matter of personal choice but also a critical issue of public health, human rights, and social justice.

For millions of women and girls, particularly in Nigeria, abortion remains a life-or-death issue. It is estimated that 45 per cent of all abortions worldwide are unsafe, with the vast majority occurring in developing countries where restrictive laws and stigma block access to safe services. According to the World Health Organisation, unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes of preventable maternal deaths globally. In Nigeria, where maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world, unsafe abortion remains a silent epidemic.

Continued: https://punchng.com/world-abortion-day-nigerian-womens-health-rights-in-focus/

Nigeria – Stakeholders pledge adequate dissemination of STOP guidelines in Akwa Ibom

September 17, 2025
by Lovina Anthony

Stakeholders from Ministries of Health, Education, Justice and Women Affairs in Akwa Ibom State have pledged to ensure full sensitization and dissemination of Safe Termination Of Pregnancy, STOP, guidelines in the state.

Akwa Ibom is one of the six states in Nigeria that have adopted and domesticated the STOP guidelines.

However, a report by the observatory team earlier trained by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center, WARDC, to raise awareness on the STOP guidelines showed that many women and health workers in Akwa Ibom are not aware of the initiative.

Continued: https://dailypost.ng/2025/09/17/stakeholders-pledge-adequate-dissemination-of-stop-guidelines-in-akwa-ibom/