A Critical Appraisal Of Women’s Reproductive Rights In Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the existing legal framework in Nigeria on
reproductive health rights. It highlights how the dearth of women’s
reproductive rights laws in Nigeria continues to stifle the equal and
adequate protection of women in family and larger societal contexts.
The patriarchal nature of the Nigerian society, coupled with gaps in
extant laws on women’s rights, continue to deny women access to services,
facilities and platforms which men have unfettered access to. Though
studies abound in the area of human rights, the approach is usually
purely empirical, medical or portraying a sociological point of view. By
determining the highlighted issues, this article aims to postulate a model
for the strengthening of the existing legal framework. This article suggests
that enacting gender specific reproductive health laws in Nigeria,
amending the provisions of the federal and state laws, including creating
gender equality policies; and domesticating and implementing the already
ratified international laws on gender equality and justice, could further
advance the enforcement and protection of women’s reproductive rights
in Nigeria.