By Our Correspondent
A moment of intensity filled the Senate chamber in Abuja on Tuesday when Senator Natasha Apkoti Udegha made a passionate statement linking the national debate on abortion to the broader issue of women’s rights and health. Her remarks came during deliberations on a proposed bill addressing reproductive health and family planning.
Addressing the Senate President and her colleagues, Senator Udegha rose to speak firmly, stating that abortion has something to do with women. The brief but powerful statement immediately drew attention across the chamber, with several senators expressing both support and opposition. Some members nodded in agreement, while others whispered among themselves, reflecting the deep divisions surrounding the issue.
Senator Udegha explained that any discussion on abortion must take into account the realities faced by women in Nigeria, particularly those in rural areas who lack access to proper healthcare and information. She noted that reproductive decisions are often made under extreme pressure, poverty, or health crises, and that the nation’s laws should recognize these difficult circumstances.
She said that the time has come for the legislature to listen to the voices of women who live with the consequences of these laws. According to her, the national conversation should move beyond moral judgments to focus on public health, education, and social welfare. She stressed that women should not be criminalized for making choices concerning their health and future, and that the government has a duty to ensure that such decisions are guided by compassion and medical safety.
Senator Udegha also appealed to her colleagues to consider expert input from doctors, nurses, psychologists, and women’s advocacy groups before passing any law that affects reproductive rights. She argued that collaboration between policymakers and the health sector would help reduce unsafe abortions and save lives, particularly among young girls and low-income women who often resort to dangerous procedures.
Observers in the gallery said the senator’s intervention brought a new dimension to the debate, shifting the conversation from purely legal interpretations to the social and human implications of reproductive policies. Her remarks have since sparked wide discussion on social media, where many Nigerians praised her courage for addressing a topic that remains sensitive and controversial.
Civil society organizations have also reacted. The Women for Health and Justice Initiative issued a statement applauding Senator Udegha for what it described as a bold and timely contribution. The group called on other lawmakers to approach the issue with empathy, data, and an understanding of women’s lived realities.
However, not all responses have been positive. Some religious and conservative groups have criticized the senator’s comments, describing them as an attempt to weaken moral values and promote what they see as a Western ideology. They insist that Nigeria’s cultural and religious foundations do not support abortion and that the government should instead focus on promoting abstinence and responsible parenthood.
Political analysts believe Senator Udegha’s speech reflects a growing tension between modern public health perspectives and traditional beliefs in Nigeria’s policymaking environment. They note that reproductive health debates often expose deeper questions about gender equality, personal freedom, and the role of religion in governance.
As discussions continue, it remains unclear whether the Senate will move forward with the bill in its current form or seek to amend it after public consultation. What is clear, however, is that Senator Natasha Apkoti Udegha’s statement has reignited a national conversation about women, health, and the law—one that is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Her words have become a rallying point for advocates who believe that women’s health issues deserve not only attention but also understanding and respect from lawmakers. Whether her call will lead to policy change remains to be seen, but her speech has certainly left a mark on Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance moral conviction with human rights and public health needs.
