In Nigeria, the conversation around abortion is often shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation. For many women and girls, abortion is not a decision taken lightly—it is a decision made within constrained realities, limited options, and in some cases, in a desperate bid for survival. Yet, the societal and institutional stigma attached to abortion drives many into unsafe conditions, endangering lives that could otherwise be protected by comprehensive reproductive health care.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, approximately 1.8 million induced abortions occur in Nigeria every year, with over half of them deemed unsafe. The restrictive legal framework, where abortion is only permitted to save a woman’s life, means access to safe abortion services is limited and often shrouded in secrecy. But beyond legal restrictions, stigma plays a more insidious role, silencing women, discouraging healthcare providers, and eroding the dignity of those who seek reproductive autonomy.
Stigma as a barrier to health
Abortion stigma refers to the negative perception and judgement associated with abortion. It manifests at multiple levels—within communities, healthcare systems, religious institutions, and even among policymakers. In Nigeria’s deeply patriarchal and religious society, women who seek abortions are often labelled immoral, reckless, or deviant. This stigma not only isolates individuals but also erases the complexities of their experiences.
A 24-year-old university student from Lagos, who we’ll call Bisi, shared her experience:
“I was scared to even ask anyone for help. When I told a nurse I suspected I was pregnant and needed information, she scolded me and said I should face the consequences of my actions. I left crying, and I never went back. I ended up buying pills from someone on the internet, and I didn’t even know if they were real.”
Bisi’s story is not unique. Many women, especially young women and those from low-income backgrounds, face multiple layers of discrimination. The fear of being judged or reported prevents them from seeking accurate information or professional medical care, pushing them toward unsafe methods, ranging from unverified pills to dangerous physical procedures.
Healthcare providers and the culture of silence
Healthcare workers are often caught in the middle. Even those who are personally empathetic may refrain from providing services or information due to fear of legal repercussions or social backlash. In some cases, stigma within the health system itself can result in denial of post-abortion care or hostile treatment.
A midwife during a focus group discussion shared anonymously:
“We see girls coming in with complications—some of them are unconscious, some are bleeding heavily. But when you ask what happened, they lie or stay quiet. It’s heartbreaking. Many of these cases could have been prevented.”
The culture of silence, fuelled by stigma, undermines the very essence of healthcare: care without judgement. It prevents honest conversations and perpetuates misinformation, ultimately resulting in lost lives.
Reda also: Abortion access and public health in Nigeria
Unsafe abortions: A public health crisis
The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies unsafe abortion as one of the leading causes of maternal mortality globally. In Nigeria, it is estimated to contribute to 10–13 percent of maternal deaths. Yet, these deaths are preventable. Women do not choose unsafe abortion—they are pushed into it by restrictive laws, socio-cultural condemnation, and lack of access to accurate information or affordable, safe services.
Despite the existence of global and regional human rights standards affirming the right to health and dignity, emphasising bodily autonomy, Nigerian women continue to face punitive environments. The fear of social ostracism or being labelled “wayward” stops many from even confiding in trusted people, leading to isolation and trauma.
Breaking the cycle: From shame to support
Tackling abortion stigma requires a multi-faceted approach—one that includes education, open dialogue, and legal reform. Community-based organisations, such as the Women Empowering Women Initiative, are playing a crucial role in shifting narratives, providing safe spaces for conversation, and connecting women to confidential, non-judgemental services.
Storytelling is also a powerful tool. Sharing real-life experiences helps to humanise the issue and challenge harmful stereotypes. When women speak out, it not only validates their realities but also empowers others to seek help without fear of judgement.
Also, youth-friendly and inclusive SRHR education must become a national priority. The earlier young people are equipped with information, the better positioned they are to make informed choices and avoid the pitfalls of unsafe procedures.
Dignity – not danger
Abortion stigma is not just a social issue—it is a public health and human rights crisis. Women deserve access to safe, dignified healthcare without fear of judgement or persecution. Unsafe abortions are not a choice—they are a consequence of a society that chooses silence over empathy, shame over support, and punishment over care.
As we continue our advocacy for reproductive justice, let us recommit to centring the voices and experiences of women and girls in Nigeria. Let us dismantle the barriers of stigma and demand a future where reproductive justice is not a privilege but a reality for all.
