Catholic Church in Nigeria Raises Alarm Over Federal Government’s Alleged Plans to Decriminalize Abortion
7 months ago 3 min read
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has raised serious concerns about reports that the federal government is considering revisions to the nation’s Criminal Code, specifically sections addressing abortion.
In a statement released by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), the church expressed deep apprehension over potential moves toward decriminalizing abortion, citing recent comments made by a Federal Ministry of Health official at a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) summit held in Abuja.
According to Rev. Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi, Secretary General of the CSN, the official statement that the government is exploring options to expand access to safe termination of pregnancies represents a concerning shift that could undermine Nigeria’s cultural and moral values.
The Catholic Church argues that these plans could infringe on the country’s foundational principles concerning the sanctity of life.
The SRHR summit, organized by the Media Health & Rights (MHR) Initiative of Nigeria to mark World Contraception Day, reportedly included discussions where an official suggested a national policy shift to increase accessibility to abortion services.
Fr. Samjumi stated that this approach not only challenges longstanding Nigerian values but also aligns with “post-modern secularistic ideologies” that might compromise deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs in Nigeria.
The CSN statement cited the government’s alleged endorsement of international agreements and domestic educational policies that seem to support these ideologies.
Fr. Samjumi voiced particular concern over the Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) programs currently taught in Nigerian schools.
He claimed these curricula expose students to topics deemed inappropriate, such as abortion, masturbation, and other sensitive sexual health issues, asserting that they promote a “culture of death.”
He argued that these programs could infringe upon the rights of parents and schools to instil values aligned with Nigeria’s moral and religious frameworks.
Additionally, the CSN highlighted that abortion policies would contradict the 1999 Nigerian Constitution’s Section 33, which guarantees the right to life, allowing no one to be deprived of life outside of lawful judicial sentences.
The Catholic Church insists that any action perceived to compromise this constitutional right would be unlawful and a violation of fundamental human rights, as outlined in Chapter IV of the Constitution.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has long maintained its advocacy for the protection of life.
Through various communiqués, the CBCN has publicly urged the Nigerian government to uphold laws that align with both natural law and divine commandments.
They argue that any policy or legislation failing to safeguard the right to life represents a severe departure from these principles.
In response to the government’s reported intentions, the Catholic Church is encouraging the government to prioritize policies that promote life and human dignity rather than pursue measures that may be seen as endorsing the termination of pregnancies.
Fr. Samjumi added that the Church would support educational campaigns focusing on the value of life, health, and human dignity.
The CSN’s statement concluded with an appeal to Nigerian authorities to uphold the Constitution and maintain a focus on life-affirming initiatives that reflect the religious and cultural beliefs of its citizens.
The Church reiterated its commitment to advocating for policies that preserve life and respect human dignity in line with Nigeria’s laws and societal values.
