LEGAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF WOMEN’S SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

Abstract

Every individual is entitled to the full protection of their rights because they are human beings. Men and women experience health challenges but because women go through some biological and social processes that carry health risks like pregnancy and child birth they require adequate health care to be able to fulfill these roles. Sexual and reproductive health right (SRHR) came to the fore against a background of increasing rates of liberal sexual behavior and activity, with its attendant reproductive health implications globally. Financial deprivation and spousal over-dependence have over the years triggered SRHR issues in Nigeria and COVID (19) pandemic was an enabler in that regard. This article examined the Legal and Economic Implications of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Right putting into perspective health services such as planned family, safe pregnancy, delivery care and treatment, contraceptives and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. The researchers aimed to examine women’s Legal and Economic sexual and reproductive rights as a neglected issue that leads to maternal and infant mortality; to examine women’s Sexual Reproductive Rights (SRR) as a fundamental human right which importance is such that no derogation should be encouraged and also to explain how poverty contribute to abuse of women’s SRHR. The study adopted the doctrinal method of research while employing the analytical and comparative approaches. The primary and secondary sources of data collection were also resorted to through legislations, conventions, laws, case laws, and books, journal publications and policy papers respectively. We concluded by categorically stating that there are plethoras of international and national laws and instruments that aim at protecting women’s sexual and Reproductive rights but lack of political will on the part of government and cultural beliefs hinder the enforcement of some of these laws. Recommendations were proffered that Nigerian government, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations are urged to meet the special needs of women and to establish appropriate programmes to respond to the economic, sexual and reproductive needs of women. Such programmes should include support mechanisms for the education and counseling of young girls, boys and women while making a conscious effort to empower women.