Overview

The document is the National Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Legal Indications published by the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria (February 2018). It provides a comprehensive framework for safe abortion services within the Nigerian legal context. The foreword by Honourable Minister of Health Prof. Isaac F. Adewole highlights high maternal mortality (45,000 deaths annually) and unsafe abortion contributing 10-14% of maternal morbidity and mortality. In 2012, an estimated 1.25 million induced abortions occurred, with 212,000 women treated for complications. The restrictive abortion law only permits abortion to protect the life and wellbeing of the woman, but lack of awareness and training leads to unsafe practices. The guidelines aim to clarify legal provisions, train providers, and ensure safe, legal services. Key chapters cover legal indications, pre-procedure care, methods (medical and surgical), post-procedure care, and monitoring. The guideline was developed with collaborations including Population Services International (PSI) and Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON).

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