Maternal Health Service Delivery and the Impact of Anti-Abortion Law in Nigeria: Case Study Akure Metropolitan City

Abstract

Background: This case study investigates Nigeria's anti-abortion legislation and attempts to marry them to maternal delivery of healthcare in the municipality of Akure. The study determines the level of awareness of the criminal code anti-abortion law among women and health service workers, the general perception of women and health workers in Akure metropolis about the criminal code anti-abortion law, whether or not the criminal code anti-abortion law has contributed to a reduction in abortions (safe or unsafe) among women, and finally determine whether the penal code's anti-abortion law has influenced maternal health service delivery in Akure. Methodology: The study employs mixed-method research. Nonetheless, the researcher utilized a convergent research strategy, guaranteeing that data processed for both methodologies is collected, processed, and interpreted separately to achieve study objectives. The study employs a convenience sample of 380 respondents, including women in their reproductive years who attend various maternity health facilities and healthcare staff from Akure's four public hospitals. Results: The level of awareness of women and health service workers about the criminal code anti-abortion law (R2 = 0.006, F1,326= 1.81, β = 0.142, p > 0.05) is low. Women and health care workers perceive (R2 = 0.052, F1,326 = 18.032, β perception = 0.101, p < 0.05) the criminal code anti-abortion law as ineffective and forgotten. The criminal code anti-abortion law has significantly helped in achieving reduced abortion amongst women in Akure (r = 0.577, p < 0.05). Finally, the criminal code anti-abortion law has significantly affected maternal health service delivery in the Akure metropolis (R2 = 0.175, F1,326= 69.301, βCCAA = 0.21, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Addressing this complicated issue requires a holistic approach considering the community's socio-cultural fabric whilst promoting the fundamental right to safe and comprehensive maternity care. Policymakers may prepare the path for a future in which maternal well-being is protected and women's rights are fully honoured by creating an ideal atmosphere for reproductive health.