**3. Criminal code act**

This is applicable mainly in Southern Nigeria and includes Sections 228, 229, 230, 297 and 328 of the Criminal code.

### **3.1 Section 228**

126 From Preconception to Postpartum

This chapter reviews the magnitude of abortion problems together with the place of PAC in

Abortion is one of the most important direct medical causes of maternal mortality, accounting for 12-40 % of overall global maternal deaths (WHO, 1994; Fatusi & Ijadunola, 2003). World Health Organization estimates that 46 million induced abortions occur annually the world over (WHO, 1998). To attest to the enormity of this global abortion problem, Henshaw et al., 1998, in a comprehensive review of data on abortion further deduced that one out of every four pregnancies the world over is voluntarily terminated. Conservative estimate from Henshaw et al review of induced abortion indicates that 20 million induced abortions are performed under unsafe circumstances, causing the death of over 80,000 women annually (Henshaw, 1990; Henshaw et al., 1998; Henshaw et al., 1999. This, however, has regional variations, with rates as low as 2 per 1000 occurring in developed countries and as high as 28 per 1000 taking place in developing countries where restrictive abortion laws abound in great proportions (Ahman & Shah, 2002). In Nigeria with restrictive abortion law for example, Centre for Reproductive Rights reported maternal mortality of 34,000 attributable to abortion in 2008 alone (Centre for Reproductive Rights,

Unsafe abortion has human, social and economic costs. While the human cost is related to physical complications that lead to the death of the woman, or associated long term sequelae, the social cost is related to the long-term physical limitations such as infertility, or from moral, legal or cultural stigma that women who abort may suffer. The economic cost is related to the reduction of health resources that would have been used for the management of critical health problems being diverted towards the treatment of abortion complications

Every year, more than 4.2 million African women undergo unsafe abortion with an estimated 38,000 of them dying from the experience, leaving countless others with severe morbidities (Henshaw, 1990). These numbers represent over 50 % of all women globally who die from abortion-related causes (WHO, 1998). Amongst those surviving the ordeal, several thousands experience various forms of short- and long-term morbidities. The morbidities include uterine perforation, chronic pelvic pain, and secondary infertility. Victims of unsafe abortion may in addition suffer stigma and isolation forced on them by

Considering the huge contribution of unsafe abortion to the very high maternal mortality in most countries, it is apparent that efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve maternal health without addressing the issue of unsafe abortion will not

Only 40 % of the population in the world lives in countries where abortion laws are unrestrictive such that abortion is permissible at the woman's request. The remaining 60 % live in areas with abortion laws of varied restrictions, and most of these are in developing countries (Rahman et al., 1997; Cooks et al., 1999). With only a few exceptions, the abortion

the combat of abortion related maternal morbidity and mortality.

especially in developing countries (Faúndes & Barzelatto, 2006).

their families and communities.

**2. Magnitude of abortion problem** 

2008)!

succeed.

Any person who, with intent to procure miscarriage of a woman whether she is or is not with child, unlawfully administers to her or causes her to take any poison or other noxious thing, or uses any force of any kind, or uses any other means whatever, is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years. felony,
