Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Senate on Tuesday suspended debate on the Criminal Code Amendment Bill following heated disagreement over sections proposing harsher penalties for abortion-related offences.
The bill, which originated from the House of Representatives, sought to increase punishment for supplying abortion drugs or instruments from three to ten years’ imprisonment. However, several lawmakers objected, warning it could criminalise medically necessary abortions.
Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) argued that some abortions are carried out “for health or religious reasons” and should not be automatically treated as criminal acts. Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) cautioned that the provision might “discourage doctors from providing vital care,” urging broader consultation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio agreed to suspend consideration of the bill, directing the Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters to clarify what constitutes lawful and unlawful abortion within two weeks.
Abortion in Nigeria remains highly restricted — only permitted to save the life of the pregnant woman. Yet, thousands of women undergo unsafe abortions annually, contributing to high maternal mortality, according to studies by the Guttmacher Institute.
Lawmakers also proposed life imprisonment for child defilement and ten-year jail terms for sexual offences, underscoring a broader push for stronger protection of minors
Senate Halts Abortion Bill Over Dispute on Criminal Provisions
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