By: Adekunle Victoria
Photo credit: Pinterest
The Lagos State Government now has a law that places a responsibility on a man who impregnates a woman to contribute to the maternity-related expenses associated with the pregnancy.
Under Section 277 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, a person who impregnates a woman or girl and fails, refuses, or neglects to contribute to the maternity-related costs from the antenatal to postnatal stages commits an offence. The provision was introduced to protect pregnant women and their babies from being left without support by the men responsible for the pregnancies.
This law is particularly important because some women have been left to face pregnancy and childbirth expenses alone after the men responsible for their pregnancies refused to take responsibility.
The law therefore seeks to ensure that a man does not simply abandon a woman after getting her pregnant. Rather, he may be required to contribute towards expenses connected with the pregnancy and childbirth.
The law highlights the importance of responsibility and support during pregnancy. Its purpose is to prevent pregnant women and their unborn children from being abandoned without financial assistance.
For More Information aabout the law and how it applies, members of the public should verify the current provisions directly with the Lagos State Ministry of Justice or seek advice from a qualified legal practitioner.