Key Takeaways
- Nigeria records about 33 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age, with unsafe abortions accounting for 11% of maternal deaths nationwide.
- A study found that 52% of maternal deaths in Lagos are linked to unsafe abortions, with adolescents and young women accounting for half of such fatalities.
- Ajose Nigeria emphasizes that ensuring women have access to accurate medical information does not abandon Christian convictions, but rather reduces preventable maternal deaths.
Nigeria is facing a severe maternal health crisis, with high rates of unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. According to available statistics, the country records about 33 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age, with adolescents and young women accounting for about half of such fatalities. In Lagos, a study by the Campaign Against Unwanted Pregnancy found that 52% of maternal deaths are linked to unsafe abortions.
The World Health Organisation and the United Nations advocate for improved access to safe abortion services, citing public health and human rights considerations. Ajose Nigeria maintains that supporting access to life-saving healthcare for women with high-risk pregnancies should not be misconstrued as endorsing abortion, but rather as a compassionate response to a critical health issue.
The Role of Religious Leaders
Ajose Nigeria is urging religious leaders and churches across the country to embrace compassion as a critical tool in addressing Nigeria's maternal health challenges. The organisation emphasizes that efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths do not diminish the value Christians place on unborn life, but rather demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of all individuals.
A statement written on behalf of the organisation highlights the importance of accurate medical information and compassionate care for women facing high-risk pregnancies. The statement notes that many Christian communities view the issue of abortion as settled, but that this perspective often ignores the complex realities faced by women in crisis pregnancies.
According to Oghosayemi Dudu, "Human life is sacred, and abortion is seen as morally wrong. For many believers, there is little room for debate. Yet beyond our churches, another reality continues to unfold quietly. Women experience pregnancies resulting from rape, incest, severe fetal abnormalities, intimate partner violence, life-threatening medical complications, and economic hardship."
A Call to Action
Ajose Nigeria is calling on Christians to engage in compassionate, evidence-based conversations about abortion and maternal health. The organisation notes that a 2025 opinion poll found that 32% of Nigerians are neither firmly for nor firmly against abortion, and that these individuals are open to compassionate, evidence-based conversations.
The organisation emphasizes that the conversation around abortion cannot remain solely a moral argument, but must also be a healthcare conversation. Nigeria continues to carry one of the world's highest burdens of maternal mortality, with an estimated two million unsafe abortions occurring every year.
Why This Matters
The issue of abortion and maternal health is a critical one in Nigeria, with far-reaching consequences for the health and well-being of women and families. By engaging in compassionate, evidence-based conversations, Christians can help reduce preventable maternal deaths and promote a culture of care and compassion for all individuals.