ABORTION, A THREAT TO THE RIGHT TO LIFE
The Nigeria Constitution classified the right to life as a fundamental human right which aligns with the sixth commandment of God in the Holy bible, on the sacredness of the human life.
In view of this, the right to life governs all other existing rights.
That is the right to live, develop, grow and attain adulthood.
This provision, therefore, guarantees protection and survival and to develop appropriately. However, many children are denied the right to live through cases of abortion which occur in the society despite this provision.
Some proponents of abortion argue that right to life applies only when a baby is born and not from conception.
According to them, some women who got pregnant by mistake may decide to terminate the pregnancy for various reasons including the inability to cater for it.
The question is “How legal is abortion”?
A cross section of residents of Enugu metropolis gave their impression about this.
“This is the privilege God gave to every living soul on earth; you should take responsibility for it, because you don’t know what the baby will be on earth“.
“If women are allowed to carry out abortion in this part of the world, then there would be serious trouble except if seen that the women’s health is in a critical state, abortion could be an option”.
“If legalized it will help to destroy women more”.
Meanwhile, a Consultant Gynecologist with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, Dr. Obinna Okezie highlights the grounds on which abortion can be carried out.
“Nigeria still operates 1961 British law that is against termination of pregnancy for any reason. The law allows where there is danger to the women’s health and if two or more gynecologists agree to it. It has so many effects, first and foremost is the danger of death, then left with so many damages to their internal organs”.
A Legal Practitioner in Enugu, Mr Alphonsus Ugwuafia also highlights the legal implication of abortion.
“Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution as amended provided for, right to life” Section 33 stipulates that no one should be deprived intentionally of his right to life except on the execution of a criminal offence of which the person has been found guilty. Like a pregnant woman who is in danger, the law could be relaxed to give life to such woman that is only when abortion could be said to be considered because is a living mother that can procreate again”.
He added that life was sacred and any termination of life aside the judgment of the court was a criminal offence which could lead to imprisonment or death.
BY ANGELA EFFION