Abuja:According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has raised concerns about the impact of unsafe abortions on maternal mortality in Nigeria. The organization is urging reforms of the country’s restrictive abortion laws to address this issue.
WARDC issued a statement, signed by Executive Chairperson Prof. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, in recognition of the 2026 International Safe Abortion Day. The theme for the day is ‘Solidarity in Action: Advance Reproductive Justice and Urgently Strengthen Health Systems for Comprehensive Abortion Care’.
The organization emphasized that Nigeria’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality cannot be effective while unsafe abortions remain a significant and preventable cause of death and injury. They highlighted the necessity for the country to tackle the human cost of unsafe abortions by strengthening its health system.
In 2023, Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate was estimated at 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births, with unsafe abortions identified as a contributing factor. A study in 2012 estimated 1.25 million abortions occurred in Nigeria, with about 212,000 women treated for complications, while another 285,000 suffered serious complications without receiving necessary treatment.
WARDC cited a national estimate suggesting around 6,000 women die annually from unsafe abortions, noting that this figure might be underreported or misclassified. The organization highlighted the impact on women and girls whose health and futures are at risk due to these unsafe practices.
The organization also pointed out the burden on adolescents, referencing UNICEF data indicating an adolescent birth rate of 75 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19 in Nigeria, with higher rates in rural areas. They noted that denying reproductive healthcare to girls pregnant from rape or incest exacerbates their trauma.
WARDC called for a shift from a criminalization-focused approach to a rights-based, medically regulated framework for safe abortion care. Suggested reforms include specifying lawful conditions for abortion, ensuring confidentiality and informed consent, regulating qualified providers, strengthening referral systems, and ensuring post-abortion care access.
The organization urged the Federal Government, National Assembly, and state governments to prioritize legal reforms, invest in the health system, and disseminate accurate public information on abortion and reproductive health. They asserted that no woman should die due to a lack of safe healthcare access and emphasized the need to move towards regulated, rights-based abortion care.