ABSTRACT

This study takes a cursory look at the reproductive rights of women with particular emphasis on the role of family planning in the protection of these rights, and also the basic need for education on family planning methods and contraceptives for women. The role the law has been playing in protecting this very important right of women, the legal regime available and its enforcement. The author will also look at the prohibition of Abortion in Nigeria which has not encouraged the development of medical expertise in the area of reproductive health; which is so backward, when compared to other foreign jurisdictions. In Nigeria it is common to see that the contraceptive methods used are mainly traditional. Educational status has little minimal impact as religion, tradition and culture plays a major role in determining the number of children a family may have. Therefore there is a dire need for thorough enlightenment on the efficiency of the modern family planning methods. The keys to effective and sustainable family-planning programmes are; high-level political commitment, a broad coalition of support from elite groups, adequate funding, legitimization of the idea of smaller families and modern contraceptives through mass media enlightenment (for e.g. radio jingles) e.t.c.; and making a range of methods available through medical facilities, social marketing, and outreach services.