Appraisal of the Right to Health and The Causes of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria

The right to life is meaningless without the right to health. Ensuring health gives life its true significance. Since life is invaluable, securing the right to health should not be limited to discussions about funding. If life is important, the right to health must be a priority in policy decisions. Among the aim and objectives of this paper is to examine the legal requirements for securing the right to health, particularly in the context of reducing maternal mortality to acceptable levels. This study analysed the causes of maternal mortality, which include medical, socio-cultural factors, poor family planning/unsafe abortions, illiteracy, etc. This study, while employing empirical research methodology, observes that health issues are challenges faced by the rich and the poor, and it is also applicable to citizens of all nations. The study further observes that disregarding the right to health has some serious consequences, which include an increase in maternal mortality. In conclusion, the paper recommends that Nigeria should recognise the right to health as a fundamental legal right for all citizens, fulfilling its obligations in this regard.