The Christian Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun not to assent to the recently passed Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill. The bill, which was passed by the Ogun State House of Assembly, seeks to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, promote safe motherhood and reproductive health rights, and establish conditions for the safe termination of pregnancy in accordance with legal indications.
The State Chairman of CAN, The Right Reverend Emmanuel Oludaisi Adekunle, expressed concerns that the passage of the bill violates the sanctity of life, the right to life under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, freedom of conscience under Section 38, and the moral duty to protect both the mother and the unborn child. Adekunle, who is also the Bishop of Egba Diocese of the Anglican Communion, noted that the bill could compel Christian workers and faith-based hospitals to act contrary to their religious convictions.
The Ogun State House of Assembly passed the bill during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Following the completion of the legislative process, the Speaker directed that the clean copy of the bill be forwarded to the governor for assent. However, CAN said it was not part of the public hearing on the bill, which it said negated Christian and Islamic beliefs.
Adekunle maintained that victims of rape, sexual violence, and poverty needed counselling, protection, justice, and support rather than condemnation. He stated that CAN remained willing to partner with the government to reduce maternal mortality, protect women, and safeguard unborn life. The CAN chairman emphasized that the religious body and other Christian leaders were not consulted during the process.
The bill, titled “H.B. No. 036/OG/2026 – Ogun State Safe Termination of Pregnancy Law, 2026,” aims to establish conditions for the safe termination of pregnancy in accordance with legal indications. However, CAN argued that the bill could have far-reaching consequences for the people of Ogun State, particularly the Christian community.
In a press statement, Adekunle prayerfully appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun not to assent to the bill. He emphasized that the bill violates the sanctity of life, right to life under Section 33, Freedom of Conscience under Section 38, and the moral duty to protect both the mother and the unborn child.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, is urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to consider the implications of the bill and the concerns of the Christian community. Key points of contention include the potential violation of the right to life and freedom of conscience, and the possibility of compelling Christian workers and faith-based hospitals to act against their convictions.
Key points
- The Christian Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun not to assent to the Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill.
- The bill seeks to establish conditions for the safe termination of pregnancy in accordance with legal indications.
- CAN argues that the bill violates the sanctity of life, right to life under Section 33, and freedom of conscience under Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution.
