Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has called for reforms to Nigeria’s abortion laws, warning that unsafe abortion remains a contributor to maternal deaths and preventable injuries.
The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its Executive Chairperson, Prof. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, to mark the 2026 International Safe Abortion Day on Monday.
This year’s campaign theme is “Solidarity in Action: Advance Reproductive Justice and Urgently Strengthen Health Systems for Comprehensive Abortion Care.”
WARDC said Nigeria could not effectively address its maternal mortality burden while unsafe abortion remained a preventable cause of death and serious injury.
The organisation said the campaign provided an opportunity for Nigeria to examine the health consequences associated with unsafe abortion and strengthen healthcare systems.
WARDC cited an estimated maternal mortality ratio of about 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births in Nigeria in 2023, saying unsafe abortion was among the causes of maternal deaths.
It also cited a nationally representative study estimating that 1.25 million abortions occurred in Nigeria in 2012, with about 212,000 women treated for complications linked to unsafe abortion.
WARDC also referenced an estimate that about 6,000 women die annually from unsafe abortion, while stressing that such figures are estimates and abortion-related deaths may be underreported or misclassified. “Behind these numbers are women and girls whose lives, health and futures can be permanently affected,” the organisation said.
WARDC also highlighted concerns about adolescent pregnancy, citing UNICEF data putting Nigeria’s adolescent birth rate at 75 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19.
“A child who has survived sexual violence should receive protection, healthcare and dignity—not additional trauma, stigma and the risk of an unsafe abortion,” WARDC said.
About the Author
Hope Ajayi 
Korede Abdullah