House of Representatives Seeks New Law to Shield Pregnant Women from Death Penalty in Nigeria

The Nigerian House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward defending the rights of pregnant women on death row by proposing new legislation aimed at exempting expectant mothers from capital punishment.

The proposed bill, introduced during plenary sessions this week, seeks to establish legal protections that would prevent the execution of women who are confirmed to be pregnant at the time of sentencing or incarceration. Lawmakers behind the initiative argue that the measure is necessary to uphold human rights, protect the unborn child, and align Nigeria’s legal framework with international standards on maternal and child welfare.

Supporters of the bill highlighted that existing laws in Nigeria do not explicitly forbid the execution of pregnant inmates, leading to concerns about the potential risk to both the woman and her unborn child. They argued that the inability of the current system to safeguard this vulnerable group underscores the urgent need for reform.

“Every human life is valuable, and no innocent unborn child should suffer the consequences of punitive measures imposed on their mother,” a sponsor of the bill said. “This proposed law will ensure compassion and justice for women in extremely difficult circumstances.”

The legislative proposal has received widespread attention from civil society groups and human rights advocates, many of whom praised the House of Representatives for taking proactive steps toward criminal justice reform. These advocates noted that similar protections exist in other jurisdictions and are considered best practice in criminal law and human rights policy.

While the bill is still in its early stages and will undergo committee review and debate before it can be passed into law, its introduction marks a notable development in ongoing discussions about the treatment of vulnerable populations within Nigeria’s penal system.

Lawmakers expressed optimism that, if enacted, the legislation would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to humane justice and offer greater protection for women and children caught within the criminal justice system. Further consultations with legal experts, women’s rights groups, and stakeholders are expected as the bill advances through the legislative process.