- The Catholic Church In Nigeria criticised the federal government over an alleged plan to legalise abortion in the country
- The church called the attention of Nigerians to the matter and asked them to reject the move
- Nigerians reacted; some believed it would solve the problem of over-population and others supported the church
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has raised concerns, alleging that the federal government is planning to legalise abortion by reviewing certain sections of the Criminal Code 1090 on abortion.
While opposing the alleged plan, the Catholic Church advised that the government should be focused on educating citizens on reproductive health and the dignity of human life.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi, on Thursday, October 24.
The statement quoted a government official who said the government is working towards expanding access to safe termination of pregnancies in Nigeria.
According to Vanguard, the CSN called the attention of Nigerians to the matter and urged them to oppose the legalisation of abortion as it contradicts Section 33 of Nigeria’s constitution, which states that every person has a right to life. No one should be intentionally deprived of that life.
The statement reads in part: “Rather than expanding access to safe termination of pregnancy by destroying life, the government should amplify its efforts towards educating the people on the imperatives of the values and dignity of the human person.
“Rather than enthrone the culture of death through the legalisation of abortion, the government should place a premium on the sacred dignity and love that should be accorded to the human person, which is guaranteed by natural law and divine commandments and affirmed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is safer to have human dignity included in the curriculum than to work against it in the name of providing access, shrouded in the garb of human freedom. The more we know and value the dignity of the other person, the more society will seamlessly live in peace and harmony.
“The Catholic Church and all ethically-minded people oppose all forms of abortion procedures whose direct purpose is to terminate the life of a baby in the womb. The unborn child has the right to live and be protected and not to be killed by the fiat of an unjust law.
“We believe strongly that every human life must be respected and protected, especially the most vulnerable ones in the womb from the moment of their conception.”
Nigerians react to FG’s alleged move to legalise abortion and the Catholic Church’s opposition
While lending their opinion on the delicate matter, some Nigerians opined that the country is gradually becoming like the Western world regarding policies and moral decadence. Some argued that abortion is already normalised in Nigeria and the government need not legalise it anymore. A few people supported the government’s decision, adding that as long as the pregnancy is still young, it can be acceptable. Others believed that people should be able to decide what they want without opposition and claimed that it might be better to legalise abortion to reduce population growth.
Here are some of the comments:
@ozii_baba posted: “It's not enough to condemn the move. The Catholic Church should continue engaging the public so we will know if their idea has outlived its essence - just like the condemnation of contraceptives.”
@yommy_dee411 posted: “Fine by me, as long as the unwanted pregnancy is not more than 0-10 weeks in… "Somehow we learn who we really are and then live with that decision..."
- Eleanor Roosevelt. Every Human Specie should be given the freedom of deciding what and what to do with their bodies (as long as it's legal). Plus, for how long will religions keep holding us back in this country? Has Nigeria been a blessed Nation (as desired) with all our religions? Instead na so so... And yes, Help Is On The Way. But let's be guided.. Religion is a scam!
Urging FG to critically look into it (void of baseless sentiments) and move forward with well informed decision on the subject, that would add value to the lives of NIGERIANs and health sector…”
@ani_ukpanah posted: “My own be say abortion na normal thing already for here. So wetin FG wan legalise again? It's like trying to legalise smoking of weed and cannabis. Something wey we dey run already. Need no dey.”
@savag3kizz posted: “Once again, I’m proud to be a Catholic.”
@Taila_Eth posted: “What’s wrong with FG🤔 can all this solve the hardship we are facing.”
@SANCTUS_EMPIRE posted: “Nigeria is slowing taking after the USA policy.”
@Trey_Daniel1 posted: “I'm a Christian, but I have to agree with FG on this.”
@zulokirk posted: “Lmao in Nigeria where abortion is like a day to day activity is what the the FG just wanted to legalize.”
@TshewC72397 posted: “People should be able to decide what to do with their body most especially after rape incident.”
@gustavoofota001 posted: ‘I agree, a lot of unwanted children on the street. Begging nd causing nuisance.”
@IgbinobaOsarobo posted: “Look out for the legalization of same sex marriage!!! It's on it's way.”
@usmanovic2000 posted: “The Same catholic church wey their Pope legalize same sex marriages dey criticize abortion Law.”
@Segvill247 posted: “It should be legalized. Imagine young rape victims of criminals and terrorists having unwanted babies. Imagine girls without any source of livelihood having babies because they can’t have abortion. It’s a good idea and should be supported.”
“I am a Chosen”: CAN condemns viral testimony, plans to hold meetings with Christian bodies
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), expressed grave concerns over a viral video featuring a woman from The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, who claimed to receive divine help during a Federal Government exam.
Adegbite dismissed her testimony as a fabrication, emphasising that true divine assistance is rooted in hard work and faith, stating, “God doesn’t work like that” while speaking with the Punch on Saturday, September 21.