A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AS A MEANS TO ATTAINING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Reproductive health is a lifetime concern for all mankind.  Respect for women’s reproductive rights and provision for reproductive health services provide the basis for the overall well-being of the family.  The health of a society cannot be assured unless women’s right to equality and full participation are assured.

The reproductive health and rights of women impact on the overall socio-economic development of any nation. The world is currently in search of a development agenda of ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.  There is therefore an urgent need to build knowledge and evidence based jurisprudence that will generate commitments in ensuring that women gain the right to health and life.  This calls for a redefinition and a re-conceptualization of reproductive health as a development question, especially at this time when the world is seeking to put in place a post 2015 development agenda.  This paper is focused on seeking a legal framework that will promote women’s reproductive health in Nigeria.

In this paper, there will be a chronicle of laws and policies as well as practices which determines and impacts on women’s reproductive health and rights in Nigeria.  Legal and policy reforms required to improve women’s reproductive rights will also be suggested.

Keywords: Women, Reproductive Health, Sustainable Development