Lawyers Alert (LA) has initiated efforts to secure judicial interpretation of provisions of the Benue State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2019, to clarify legal protections for women and girls whose pregnancies result from rape or incest, or pose serious risks to their lives.
The organisation said Sections 2 and 40(1)(a) of the law were central to determining the scope of protection available to women and girls facing such circumstances, including questions surrounding access to safe termination of pregnancy.
LA said its pursuit of judicial interpretation and enforcement of the provisions was aimed at establishing legal clarity on their scope and application, particularly where pregnancy threatens a woman’s life, safety, and rights.
It stressed that women and girls confronted with life-altering circumstances should not be left without clear legal guidance or access to justice.
The organisation added that the interpretation of the law was critical to ensuring that the rights, dignity, safety, and access to appropriate healthcare of affected women and girls were not overlooked.
“No woman or girl should be left without legal clarity or access to justice when her life, safety, and rights are at stake,” LA said.
