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 anindividual’s reproductive system. It implies that sexual partners are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, thecapability to reproduce, as well as the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to be engaged in sexualintercourse. For the women to maintain sound sexual and reproductive health, they need access to accurateinformation on their sexual lives, including safe sex, willful sex, recommendable contraceptives, and the restwhich constitute their reproductive and sexual rights. Therefore, it was the aim of this paper to appraise thereproductive and sexual health, and the rights of women in Nigeria, and as well do a comparative analysis withsome foreign jurisdictions. It also sought, among its objectives, to examine the various discriminating policiesand laws, as well as obnoxious customary practices that infringe on women’s reproductive and sexual healthrights. The research methodology was doctrinal, using exposition and analysis. The main sources of data collectionwere various legal documents and other publicists which covered the primary and secondary sources, from thephysical and e-library. The findings of this study, among others, were that Nigerian women are not in control oftheir reproductive and sexual health rights. Sequel to these, it was recommended among others that thegovernment 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should establish effective education for women,especially in the rural areas and the relevant legislation should be repealed or enacted accordingly.