A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ABORTION LAWS IN NIGERIA AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS

Abstract

In Nigeria, abortion is illegal except in cases where it is necessary to save the life of the mother. Despite this restriction, abortions continue to be performed, often unsafely thereby leading to a myriad of mishaps. This research analyses Nigeria's abortion laws in comparison to those of other jurisdictions. It examines the deficiencies in Nigeria's legal framework and compares it with the abortion laws of the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. The study explores the legal frameworks and socio-political factors influencing each country's stance on abortion.� The findings reveal that Nigeria has one of the most restrictive abortion laws, a stance deeply rooted in religious and cultural conservatism. In contrast, the USA displays a complex and polarised landscape following the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade , leading to a patchwork of state laws ranging from highly restrictive to permissive. The UK adopts a more liberal approach under the Abortion Act 1967, allowing abortions up to 24 weeks under specific conditions, reflecting a balance between pro-choice and pro-life perspectives. South Africa's Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 1996 represents one of the most progressive stances in Africa. The research also examines the pro-life and pro-choice arguments in the abortion debate. It finds that Nigeria�s situation requires a middle ground that considers ethical, moral, and cultural considerations while reducing the incidence of unsafe abortions and protecting the reproductive health and rights of women. Consequently, the research recommends that a uniform act of the National Assembly be established to regulate the practice of abortion in Nigeria.

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urn:uuid:481da676-a6da-4590-a39b-479c752f5b73