Nigeria's Senate Step Down Proposal For 10-year Jail Term For Abortion After Heated Debate

The proposed amendment to Nigeria’s Criminal Code sparked nationwide controversy after lawmakers introduced a clause seeking to raise the punishment for abortion‑related offences from three years to a 10‑year jail term.

 The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was meant to modernise the Criminal Code but immediately triggered confusion in the Senate over how to determine what qualifies as an “unlawful abortion,” with some lawmakers warning that the vague language could criminalise medically necessary procedures and endanger both women and doctors.

  Following heated debate, the Senate stepped the bill down and suspended further consideration after failing to reach consensus on its implications.