Health Stakeholders Seek Expansion, Amendment Of Abortion Laws In Nigeria

October 4, 2024 18

Health Stakeholders Seek Amendment Of Abortion Laws In Nigeria

Stakeholders in the health sector have called for an amendment and expansion to the existing legal framework on abortion laws in Nigeria, which was based on colonial era laws and has not been updated till date.

In the current law women who undergo illegal abortions and those who perform the operation face harsh penalties including imprisonment.

At an event to commemorate World Contraception Day, in Abuja, which was organised by the MHR Initiative Nigeria with support of other partners was tagged, SRHR Summit 1.0 with the theme “A Choice for All: Freedom to Plan, Power to Choose”

Addressing the summit, the Country Director, IPAS Nigeria, Dr. Lucky Palmer also called for universal access to modern contraceptives and comprehensive reproductive health services in Nigeria, observed that unplanned pregnancies contribute to over 1,500 maternal deaths annually.

The Country Director said that these deaths could be easily prevented with access to effective contraceptives.

calling for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s reproductive healthcare system to cater to everyone

”It is a fundamental right for all, including adolescents, married women, and young men,there is need for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s reproductive healthcare system to cater to everyone, especially.” marginalized groups.”

According to him, “In Nigeria, we often assume adolescents shouldn’t have sex, so they don’t need contraception. contraception should be free and available to all, regardless of age, disability, or marital status,”

While calling for more collaboration and inclusive policies in addressing critical health challenges, stressed the need for more realistic approach to reproductive health.

Also speaking, the Board Chair of MHR, Dr. Ufuoma Omo-Obi, said there was the need for increased public awareness, enhanced community-based services, and training of health workers to support self-care interventions.

Dr Omo-Obi Strengthening public-private partnerships will ensure the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, reduce maternal mortality as well as improve the well-being of Nigerians.

”Collaboration across sectors is key to ensuring all women have access to contraception, empowering them to take control of their reproductive health and openly discuss challenges related to family planning.”

MHR Chairman further called for increased public awareness, enhanced community-based services, and training of health workers to support self-care interventions.

”Strengthening public-private partnerships will ensure the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, ultimately reducing maternal mortality and improving the well-being of Nigerian citizens.” he added.

On his part, the Chairman , Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Dr. Ejike Orji who expressed worry that Nigeria still has the highest maternal mortality rate globally said seventy percent of those affected are girls under the age of 15.

”There is need to make family planning a legislative priority,the previous Minister of Health withheld funding for the past three years, , the new Minister has already released $4 million, with donor contributing an additional $6 million.”

Also, the National President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria , Professor. Rosemary Ogu solited for a collaborative approach involving the government, healthcare providers, and community leaders to address the challenges of inadequate funding, infrastructure, and skilled personnel.

”There is need for innovative solutions like mobile health services and telemedicine to reach underserved populations, ensure every woman has access to the reproductive health care she needs.”

Professor Ogu therefore called on the federal and state governments to increase funding for reproductive health, provide free pregnancy care, and ensure that contraceptives are accessible in the country.

Written by: Modupe Aduloju

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