The House of Representatives has moved to protect pregnant women on death row by proposing a change to Nigeria’s Constitution that would stop the execution of expectant mothers.
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The proposal was adopted by the House Committee on Constitution Review in Abuja.
The plan targets women convicted of crimes that carry the death penalty but are confirmed to be pregnant at the time of sentencing. Lawmakers want such sentences changed to life imprisonment to protect unborn children.
The amendment seeks to alter Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which currently allows the execution of convicts. Under the new provision, courts would be required to impose life sentences once pregnancy is established.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
The proposal came after concerns that executing pregnant women amounts to punishing innocent unborn children who have no link to the crime. Lawmakers backing the bill say justice should not extend punishment beyond the offender.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have welcomed the move, describing it as humane and in line with global human rights standards. They argue that punishment should be personal and that unborn children deserve legal protection.
In the same exercise, the House also proposed a new constitutional right that guarantees Nigerians a clean and healthy environment. Lawmakers say both changes are aimed at strengthening the protection of life and human dignity under the law.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
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