Author(s): OG Izevbuwa, Rita Abhavan Ngwoke and Adeghe Itohan F

Abstract: The right to reproductive health is a concept that adopts a holistic approach to the delivery of reproductive health care and the protection of reproductive rights, rather than the hitherto narrow approach of viewing reproductive ill-health as a medical concern. The rights-based approach to reproductive and sexual health adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), 1994 reflects a new global policy consensus and the relationship between law, population, policies, reproductive health and rights, especially for women. The fundamental basis of reproductive ill-health for women and girls is often embedded in discriminatory social structures and stereotypes that can be remedied and reformed by law. Because of impact, urgency and inequity, reproductive health has become a global concern in crucial areas, including health, population, development, human rights, gender equality and law. Many countries are reforming and enacting laws to address women’s reproductive health issues because women’s reproductive health issues are often perfunctorily addressed in a country’s health policies since it does not provide the legal framework to respect, protect and fulfil reproductive health rights as stipulated by ratified international instruments. Therefore advancement of women’s reproductive health rights requires a firm legal foundation in which the people can make the government or any other transgressor accountable. Law is a powerful instrument because it influences how people think and act. Public officials and individuals may use the law to advance the purpose of reproductive health. This paper examines the concept of law and reproductive health and rights and some Nigerian policies and legislation on reproductive health and argues that law can advance women's rights to reproductive health in Nigeria.

Pages: 116-123 | Views: 582 | Downloads: 181

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