1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In Nigeria, abortion is legally permitted only to save the life of the mother, according to the Criminal and Penal Codes applicable in the Southern and Northern regions respectively. Despite this legal restriction, abortion remains widespread and often occurs in unsafe and unregulated environments, which contributes to the country’s high maternal mortality rate (Sedgh et al., 2012). The restrictive nature of abortion laws in Nigeria has not effectively deterred the practice but rather pushed it underground, thereby compromising the health and lives of countless women, especially adolescents and youths. Youths in Nigeria, particularly in urban centers such as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are increasingly exposed to liberal ideas about sexuality due to globalization, the internet, and peer influences. The potential legalization of abortion in Nigeria raises critical questions about how such a shift in policy might impact the sexual practices of young people whether it could embolden risky behavior due to perceived safety nets, or whether it could encourage more responsible sexual health management if integrated with education and access to contraceptive services.
Globally, studies have shown mixed outcomes regarding the impact of abortion legalization on youth behavior. For example, in countries like South Africa and the United States, the legalization of abortion has been associated with improved reproductive health outcomes, yet it also raised concerns about moral decline and increased sexual permissiveness among youths (Donovan, 2017).
Abortion refers to the deliberate termination of a pregnancy before the fetus is capable of independent life. The World Health Organization (2022) defines abortion as “a procedure to end a pregnancy, either through medication or surgery, that removes the embryo or fetus and placenta from the uterus.” Legalization of abortion, therefore, implies the formal decriminalization and regulation of abortion procedures under established laws, allowing women to make reproductive choices without fear of legal repercussions (The World Health Organization, 2022).
Bankole et al. (2015) reported that the subject of abortion remains one of the most controversial and sensitive issues across the globe, especially in countries with strong religious, cultural, and moral beliefs. In Nigeria, abortion is legally restricted and is only permitted when the life of the mother is at risk. However, despite its legal prohibition, abortion remains prevalent, often conducted in unsafe and clandestine conditions, contributing significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality (Bankole et al., 2015). Youths, typically individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, are in a critical phase of sexual identity formation and behavioral exploration. Their sexual practices are shaped by a combination of factors including peer pressure, media exposure, access to reproductive health information, and societal norms. in the context of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, urbanization, increased access to digital content, and educational exposure have contributed to evolving attitudes toward sexuality among young people. The legalization of abortion could serve as a potential catalyst for changing sexual norms among this demographic, possibly leading to an increase in risky sexual behaviors, reduced contraceptive use, or even a more informed and responsible approach to sexual health, depending on the surrounding policy implementation and education. This study therefore provides a critical investigation into how the legalization of abortion might shape or shift the sexual practices of youths residing in the FCT.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the issue of abortion legalization remains one of the most emotionally charged and morally debated subjects in Nigeria. While abortion is largely restricted by law, it is still commonly practiced in unsafe and unregulated conditions, particularly by young women who face unintended pregnancies. The contradiction between restrictive laws and the high incidence of clandestine abortions creates a significant public health concern, as unsafe abortions contribute to Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rates (Bankole et al., 2015).
Furthermore, there is growing concern that the potential legalization of abortion is capable of influencing the sexual behavior of youths in both positive and negative ways. On one hand, it is believed that legal access to abortion is likely to encourage sexual promiscuity, risky sexual behavior, and a disregard for contraceptive use among young people, due to the perception of abortion as a backup solution. On the other hand, legalization is also seen as a means of reducing unsafe abortions and promoting safer reproductive choices when combined with education and access to reproductive health services (Sedgh et al., 2012). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by examining how the possible legalization of abortion is influencing or is likely to influence sexual practices among youths in the FCT.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The study aims to examine the possible impact of abortion legalization on the sexual practices of youths residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria.
The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To examine the relationship between abortion legalization and contraceptive use among youths.
- To identify socio-cultural and religious factors that affect youth responses to abortion laws.
- To investigate how the legalization of abortion is likely to influence youth sexual behavior.
- To assess the perception of youths toward abortion legalization in the FCT.
- To provide recommendations for policy and educational interventions regarding youth sexual health.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated:
- What are the perceptions of youths in the FCT regarding abortion legalization?
- How is abortion legalization likely to influence the sexual practices of youths?
- What is the relationship between abortion legalization and the use of contraceptives among youths?
- Which socio-cultural and religious factors affect youths’ responses to abortion legalization?
- What measures are required to promote healthy sexual behavior among youths if abortion is legalized?
1.5 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will contribute to an evidence-based understanding of how abortion legalization is likely to influence the sexual behavior of Nigerian youths, particularly those in urban centers like the FCT. It will also inform educational and reproductive health programs targeting young people, especially in relation to contraception and safe sexual practices.
Furthermore, this research study will support advocacy efforts to reform reproductive health laws in a way that protects young people's health and rights. It will also bridge knowledge gaps in youth reproductive behavior research in Nigeria.
Lastly, the findings will assist stakeholders in designing youth-centered policies on sexual and reproductive health.
1.6 Scope of Study
This study is limited to youths between the ages of 15 and 24 residing in selected parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. It will focus on their sexual practices, attitudes toward abortion, and the potential impact of abortion legalization.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Abortion: The intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus reaches viability. It may be induced through medical or surgical means (World Health Organization, 2022).
Legalization: The process of enacting laws that permit an activity which was previously banned or restricted, in this case, abortion (Reagan, 1997).
Sexual Practices: Behaviors related to sexual activity, including intercourse, use of contraceptives, number of partners, and decision-making regarding pregnancy among individuals or groups.
Youths: In this context, individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, as defined by the United Nations and adopted by many Nigerian policy frameworks (UNFPA, 2014).
Contraceptives: Devices or medications used to prevent pregnancy during or after sexual intercourse, such as condoms, pills, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) (Guttmacher Institute, 2020).
Unsafe Abortion: A procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy by individuals without the necessary skills or in an environment lacking minimal medical standards (Sedgh et al., 2012).
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