Revisiting The Lacunae In The Legal Framework On Reproductive Rights In Nigeria
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 3
- 1 min read
Dr Lilian Akhirome-Omonfuegbe, Senior Lecturer. Ag. HOD Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Mrs. I.G Elijah_Ojete, Lecturer 11, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Nigeria has demonstrated capacity for Gender Specific Laws as can be seen in some existing legislations and policies addressing Reproductive health in Nigeria. However, there is an undeniable gap between existent laws and implementation. The subject of Reproductive rights is a global concept with some countries actively enacting laws that specifically protect the rights of women. By adopting the doctrinal methodology, an examination of the extant laws and structures in place on reproductive health and rights in Nigeria, reveals the obvious lack of a holistic framework for the implementation, enforcement, and protection of these rights specifically. Though issues of reproductive health pertain to both male and female gender this paper finds that the female gender in Nigeria is the most suppressed and disadvantaged in terms of enforcement of rights. Hence in a quest to strengthen and broaden the legal framework on the enforcement and protection of women reproductive rights, it is submitted that, enacting a national reproductive health law by the National Assembly, demonstrates willingness and capacity for protection of women’s rights. Consequently, amending the constitutional provisions and other federal and state legislations on reproductive health and proper implementation of national reproductive health policies is a fundamental requirement in promoting the course of advancing reproductive health rights in Nigeria.
Keywords: Gender Specific Laws, Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Health
