DOI: 10.5176/2251-3809_LRPP17.10
Authors: Ganiat Mobolaji Olatokun
Abstract:
The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women, (CEDAW) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on the 18th December 1979. This Convention is a human right instrument which promotes the principle of non-discrimination and equal status of men and women. The Convention focuses on three key issues. One of such issues is reproductive right. The right to choose forms an aspect of reproductive right. To the radical feminists of the West and North America, the right to choose under CEDAW could be extended to cover right to choose abortion for women worldwide. This to them, could pave the way for the legalization of abortion all over the world. Consequently, a case study was carried out in 5 different states in Nigeria, wherein interview and focus group discussion were employed in order to know whether or not the contention of the radical feminists can be sustained in Nigeria. The result shows that, the right to choose as contained under CEDAW does not extend to abortion right for Nigerian women. The reasons given by the participants of this study could form a solid foundation for effective future policies in the area of reproductive right in Nigeria.
Keywords: Abortion, Right to choose, Women, Feminism, Nigeria
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