This study examines the association between reproductive health knowledge and unsafe induced
abortion among female adolescents (13-19years) in selected communities in Badagry Local
government area of Lagos state. Data were obtained through a multi-stage sampling procedure in
the study area. A total of 384 in-school and out-of-school respondents were interviewed with the
aid of a questionnaire. Two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted to elicit
qualitative data which complimented the survey data. The analyses indicate that more than half
of both categories of respondents sampled demonstrated a high level of knowledge about
reproductive health issues. About 56% of the in-school respondents indicated knowledge about
ovulation, 75% had knowledge about their menstrual cycle and 47.8% indicated knowledge on
pregnancy prevention. For the out-of-school category, about 54% had knowledge about
ovulation, 69.6% could calculate their menstrual cycle and 49.4% had knowledge on how to
prevent a pregnancy. Knowledge level of family planning services was however low: about 30%
for in-school and 43% for out-of-school adolescents. Usage of family planning services was also
reported to be relatively low among in-school respondents (18.1%) but higher among their out-of
school counterparts (25.3%). Cases of unplanned pregnancies were also a bit higher among outof-school
respondents (8.2%) than the in-school population (4%) while incidence of abortion
were almost at the same level for both categories (in-school: 2.2%; out-of-school: 3.2%). There
is a strong need for effective promotion of the usage of family planning services in addition to
sex education that covers every aspect of human sexuality with emphasis on issues that can
promote healthy reproductive health among female adolescents.