When a lot of people hear the word abortion, their minds may not go straight to the safe termination of pregnancy. But that is what it is. When done illegally, in secret, and dangerously, it becomes unsafe abortion and is a big cause of the death of women all over the world.

In Nigeria, the conversation around the legalization and regulation of safe termination of pregnancy (STOP) remains a divisive and sensitive issue. Despite this, there is a growing consensus among health experts and human rights advocates about the necessity of adopting comprehensive STOP guidelines. These guidelines are critical in protecting women’s health, reducing maternal mortality, and upholding basic human rights. 

The Necessity of STOP Guidelines 

Currently, unsafe terminations are a major cause of maternal deaths in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the country’s high maternal mortality rate (NDHS 2018)¹. STOP guidelines aim to ensure that certain women seeking termination of pregnancy can access safe, legal, and compassionate services. This change not only protects women’s health but also reduces the burden on the healthcare system, which often deals with complications from unsafe procedures. 

6 Reasons Why States Need STOP Guidelines 

1. Adopting STOP guidelines in more Nigerian states would align with global health standards and recommendations from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) which have defined health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. According to the WHO², making health for all a reality, and moving towards the progressive realization of human rights, requires that all individuals have access to quality health care, including comprehensive abortion care services – which includes information, management of abortion, and post-abortion care. Lack of access to safe, timely, affordable, and respectful abortion care poses a risk to not only the physical but also the mental and social, well-being of women and girls. 

2. It would ensure that terminations are performed under safe conditions by qualified health professionals, drastically reducing risks associated with unsafe practices and the presently thriving businesses of quacks who procure unsafe abortions for women all over the country daily.  

3. It supports women’s rights to make informed decisions about their reproductive health without fear of legal repercussions or societal stigma. Having a legal framework that supports the dignity and bodily autonomy of women would not increase the usage of abortion services as many people think. According to a study by News Medical³, countries with legal restrictions on abortions have a higher rate of abortions than the countries that have legalized safe termination of pregnancy for all women.  

4. Implementing STOP guidelines would decrease the number of deaths caused by unsafe termination procedures. The major cause of unsafe abortions is the legal restrictions on safe termination.

5. Adopting STOP guidelines in all states of Nigeria will help in controlling and preventing public health issues related to unsafe terminations including sepsis, infections, and death. Safe procedures minimize the costly healthcare interventions required for these complications. 

6. Access to safe termination services ensures better overall health outcomes for women. 

Implementing STOP Guidelines 

Implementation of these guidelines requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves legislative action, public health education, and the development of healthcare infrastructure capable of providing these services ethically and safely. Furthermore, it necessitates ongoing dialogue with community leaders, religious institutions, and the public to address cultural and ethical concerns, ensuring widespread acceptance and respect for women’s choices. 

The adoption of STOP guidelines in more Nigerian states is not just a health imperative but a moral one. It represents a commitment to the well-being and rights of women, promoting a healthier, more equitable society. As discussions continue, policymakers and community advocates must push for these essential changes, ensuring that every woman has access to the safe and respectful healthcare services they deserve. 

What is your role in this? 

Open your mind. Many of us view these issues through an “it can never be me” lens until it is you or your loved one. Lead with empathy. Remember, it could be you.  

#tobasewo #whatifitwereyou 

1. Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018 ↩︎
2. WHO/health-topics/abortion ↩︎
3. News-medical.net- Study-finds-highest-abortion-rates-in-countries-with-legal-restrictions ↩︎