REPRODUCTIVE AND SEXUAL HEALTH AND THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN NIGERIA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH SOME FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS

Abstract

Good sexual and reproductive health is dependent on a state of physical, mental and social well-being of an individual’s reproductive system. It implies that sexual partners are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, as well as the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to be engaged in sexual intercourse. For the women to maintain sound sexual and reproductive health, they need access to accurate information on their sexual lives, including safe sex, willful sex, recommendable contraceptives, and the rest which constitute their reproductive and sexual rights. Therefore, it was the aim of this paper to appraise the reproductive and sexual health, and the rights of women in Nigeria, and as well do a comparative analysis with some foreign jurisdictions. It also sought, among its objectives, to examine the various discriminating policies and laws, as well as obnoxious customary practices that infringe on women’s reproductive and sexual health rights. The research methodology was doctrinal, using exposition and analysis. The main sources of data collection were various legal documents and other publicists which covered the primary and secondary sources, from the physical and e-library. The findings of this study, among others, were that Nigerian women are not in control of their reproductive and sexual health rights. Sequel to these, it was recommended among others that the government in conjunction with the civil society organizations should establish effective education for women, especially in the rural areas and the relevant legislation should be repealed or enacted accordingly.