Young People’s Perceptions about Abortion in South West Nigeria: Findings from Formative Audience Research

Olujide Arije, Obafemi Awolowo Univeristy, Ile-Ife
Temitope Ojo, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Adedeji Onayade, Obafemi Awolowo University
Abiodun Adegbenro, Population Media Centre
Fatou Jah, Population Media Center
Scott Connolly, Population Media Center

This study explores adolescents and young people’s perceptions about abortion in three selected states in South West Nigeria based on open-ended questions posed in response to a vignette. This was a formative audience research (FAR) study to gather information about the lives of married and unmarried adolescents and young persons in the study area to support development of understandable, high-quality, and culturally appropriate radio serial dramas in the local language (Yoruba). A total of 16 focus group sessions were conducted among eligible participants aged 15 – 25 years. Findings show that the general public looks unfavorably on abortion but personal opinions are likely to be based on whether it directly involved one as in the case where female were more open to the issue than males. Young people had greater negative experiences from procuring abortion ranging from higher cost to stigmatization. We gave some recommendations for the intended radio serial drama.