Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stark reminder that abortion continues to be a criminal offence under Nigerian law, warning that both women and men involved in the act can face prosecution. The directive, communicated through the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Josephine Adeh, underscores the legal, moral and social implications of terminating pregnancies outside the narrow exceptions permitted by law, and emphasises the need for citizens to adhere closely to existing statutes.
In a statement shared on social media, the police highlighted that the country’s legal framework, principally enshrined in the Penal Code for the northern states and the Criminal Code for the southern states, criminalises the procurement or facilitation of an abortion. According to the police spokesperson, both parties involved—not just the woman—can be held accountable for the offence. Adeh cited specific statutory provisions, including Section 232 of the Penal Code and Section 228 of the Criminal Code, which classify abortion as a felony punishable under Nigerian law.
Under these provisions, causing a woman to miscarry unlawfully can attract severe penalties, with imprisonment terms varying depending on the nature of the offence. In the southern states governed by the Criminal Code, sections 228, 229 and 230 impose up to 14 years’ imprisonment for those who unlawfully procure abortions, up to seven years for women who attempt abortions on themselves, and up to three years for those who supply drugs or instruments intended for abortion.
In the northern states where the Penal Code applies, similar provisions exist. Section 232 stipulates imprisonment of up to 14 years or a fine, or both, for anyone who voluntarily causes a woman to miscarry without lawful justification. Additional sections also penalise conduct that results in the death of an unborn child, potentially subjecting offenders to life imprisonment.
The police statement did not elaborate on specific enforcement actions but reiterated that the law applies equally to all citizens. Beyond legal obligations, the force invoked moral and religious dimensions, citing biblical passages to underscore the sanctity of unborn life. The invocation of such values reflects the deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs that inform public discourse around abortion in Nigeria.
Experts note that, with limited legal exceptions, Nigeria’s criminalisation of abortion creates a highly restrictive environment compared with some countries where broader reproductive rights protections exist. The law permits abortion only where it is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman; outside of this narrow medical exception, the act remains unlawful.
This legal landscape has significant implications for public health. Research and civil society reports have consistently highlighted that restrictive abortion laws do not eliminate the demand for termination procedures but often drive women to seek unsafe and clandestine services. Unsafe abortions are a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, especially among adolescents and women without access to safe reproductive health care.
Human rights advocates and reproductive health organisations have repeatedly called for legal reforms that align Nigeria’s laws with international human rights standards and health imperatives. They argue that current criminal sanctions disproportionately affect women’s access to essential health services and fail to address the underlying social and economic factors that lead to unwanted pregnancies. These groups also stress that punitive approaches can further stigmatise women and deter them from seeking professional medical help when needed.
In recent years, there have been legal developments and debates around reproductive rights in Nigeria. A landmark Federal High Court ruling in July 2025 recognised that women and girls who become pregnant as a result of rape, incest or other forms of sexual violence have fundamental rights to access safe abortion and related health services, marking a significant judicial acknowledgment of the need to protect survivors of violence. This precedent has been hailed by advocacy groups as a step toward more nuanced legal recognition, although legislative reform has yet to follow.
Despite such rulings, the broader statutory framework remains largely unchanged, and efforts to introduce reforms have faced opposition in the nation’s legislature. In late 2025, the Nigerian Senate suspended consideration of a controversial bill aimed at amending abortion laws and imposing stiffer penalties, reflecting the deep divisions among lawmakers and society on how to address the issue.
The police warning has sparked reactions across legal, health and civil society circles. Some legal experts have emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns to ensure Nigerians understand the scope of the law and its consequences. They argue that clarity on legal provisions is essential to avoid arbitrary enforcement and to protect vulnerable populations from undue harm. Others have pointed out that enforcement should be balanced with respect for human rights and access to health care.
Civil society organisations are urging the government to channel efforts into comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, improved access to contraception, and stronger support systems for women and families. They contend that such measures are more effective in reducing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions than punitive legal regimes alone.
Public opinion in Nigeria remains deeply divided on the issue of abortion. Cultural, religious and ethical considerations heavily influence attitudes, with many Nigerians opposing abortion on moral grounds, while others advocate for greater autonomy and reproductive rights. This dichotomy presents significant challenges to policymakers and stakeholders seeking to navigate the complex intersection of law, health and human rights.
As the debate continues, the police directive serves as a reminder of the current legal position: abortion remains an offence for which individuals, irrespective of gender, may face criminal charges. Law enforcement agencies have called on citizens to comply with the law and to seek safe medical care in situations that fall within the legally permitted exceptions. The broader conversation over abortion law reform, women’s health and legal accountability is likely to persist, shaping public discourse and policy priorities in the years ahead.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments