Lawyers Alert Launches “HEALTHNOTHARM” Campaign To Advance Reproductive Justice, Health Rights In Nigeria

A nonprofit human rights organization in Nigeria, Lawyers Alert has launched a Campaign tagged “HealthNotHarm”, a strategic initiative aimed at reshaping national discourse on safe termination of pregnancy and advancing reproductive justice in Nigeria.

The President of Lawyers Alert, Rommy Mom said the campaign is about justice, dignity, and the right of every woman to access safe, legal, and life-saving healthcare.

Mom said this represents a pivotal moment to redefine reproductive rights within Nigeria’s legal and moral landscape.

According to him, “The campaign seeks to spotlight the legal, public health, and human rights imperatives for safe termination of pregnancy, in line with Nigeria’s commitments under the Maputo Protocol.”

He noted that Nigeria’s restrictive laws, coupled with the slow implementation of the Maputo Protocol has continued to criminalise access to essential reproductive healthcare, including safe termination of pregnancy.

Mom said these limitations have contributed to preventable maternal deaths and perpetuated stigma against women and healthcare providers.

He said a pending legal case involving a nurse facing prosecution for providing reproductive healthcare services has become a catalyst for this campaign, illustrating the urgent need for legal reform and protection of healthcare providers.

His words “Such cases, often marked by the prolonged denial of bail, exemplify the intersection of punitive legal frameworks, judicial discretion, and societal stigma, all of which collectively hinder access to essential healthcare services.

“The HealthNotHarm Campaign will employ strategic communication around ongoing litigation by Lawyers Alert to advance jurisprudence that strengthens legal protections for reproductive rights, enhances access to legal services, and safeguards both healthcare providers and service users from wrongful prosecution.

“By positioning strategic litigation as a lever for justice reform and social transformation, the campaign seeks to build public awareness and empower communities to claim their reproductive rights.

“Favourable judicial outcomes in the future could set a precedent for judicial and legislative reforms, catalysing a shift toward more equitable reproductive justice in Nigeria. Beyond litigation, the campaign will amplify voices across the legal, healthcare, and civil society sectors to expand public understanding of reproductive rights, promote access to accurate legal information, and challenge stigma through sustained media engagement.

The HealthNotHarm Campaign aligns with the Pamoja’s Project vision to strengthen communication for reproductive rights through legal empowerment campaigns, evidence-based storytelling, and grassroots mobilisation, towards the expansion of reproductive rights and access as essential components of healthcare rather than criminal acts.

Mom listed the campaign tags including #HealthNotHarm #HealthcareNotHarm #MaputoProtocolNow #ReproductiveJusticeNigeria and that Lawyers Alert could  be reached via 08099937358 and lawyersalert@lawyersalertng.org

Lawyers Alert is a legal and human rights organisation committed to empowering women and vulnerable groups through legal aid, policy advocacy, and strategic litigation. With over two decades of experience and presence in six African countries, Lawyers Alert leads Nigeria’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Movement, a coalition of organisations pioneering national dialogues on reproductive justice.