Abortion Law – The Analysis of an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the definition of abortion?
The discontinuation of pregnancy before the age of viability.
What is the WHO definition of abortion?
Expulsion of a foetus weighing 500g or less.
What are the three key types of abortion mentioned in the presentation?
Abortion, induced abortion, unsafe abortion.
At what gestational age is viability defined in the UK, USA, and Nigeria?
UK – 24 weeks; USA – 20 weeks; Nigeria – 28 weeks (by practice).
What is induced abortion?
Termination of pregnancy before viability through deliberate intervention.
What is unsafe abortion?
Termination carried out by an unskilled person or in an unsafe setting.
What are the two main abortion law codes in Nigeria?
The Criminal Code and the Penal Code.
Which regions do the Criminal Code and Penal Code apply to in Nigeria?
Criminal Code: Southern states; Penal Code: Northern states & FCT.
What does Section 228 of the Criminal Code state?
It criminalises procuring miscarriage through any means, punishable by 7 years’ imprisonment.
What does Section 229 of the Criminal Code state?
It criminalises self-induced miscarriage, punishable by 7 years’ imprisonment.
What does Section 230 of the Criminal Code address?
Supplying substances knowing they will be used for abortion is punishable by 3 years’ imprisonment.
What is the key provision of Section 297 of the Criminal Code?
A person is not criminally liable for performing surgery in good faith to preserve the mother’s life.
What does Section 232 of the Penal Code cover?
Causing miscarriage; punishment is up to 14 years unless done in good faith to save the woman’s life.
What punishment is stated in Section 232 if the act was not in good faith?
Imprisonment up to 14 years or fine or both.
What does Section 233 of the Penal Code address?
Causing a woman’s death by attempting to cause miscarriage; penalty varies based on knowledge of pregnancy.
What does Section 234 of the Penal Code describe?
Unintentionally causing miscarriage through force; penalty up to 3 or 5 years depending on knowledge.
According to UK law, when must the pregnancy be terminated by?
Before the 24th week of pregnancy.
What are the legal grounds (A–E) for abortion under UK law?
A: Risk to woman’s life; B: Prevent grave permanent injury; C & D: Risks to physical/mental health (woman or child); E: Risk of serious foetal abnormality.
What does the Lagos State Criminal Law No. 11 of 2011 allow?
Legal abortion is allowed to preserve a woman’s life or physical health.
What must be considered in the performance of an abortion under Lagos law?
The operation must be done in good faith, with care, and be reasonable under the circumstances.
What does Lagos law aim to protect?
The life and physical health of the pregnant woman.
What attempt was made in Imo State regarding abortion law?
Imo State attempted to expand abortion access via the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law in 2012.
What happened to the Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law?
The law in Imo State was repealed.
