The government is working towards expanding access to safe termination of pregnancies in the country, the head, health promotion department of the federal ministry, of health, Barrister Nma Ogbonna, has said.
She stated this Thursday in Abuja during the SRHR summit 1.0 organised by the Media Health & Rights Initiative of Nigeria ( MHR) to mark this year’s World Contraception Day. It was themed “A Choice for All: Freedom to Plan, Power to Choose.”
She said some sections of the criminal code 1090 on abortion were being looked into among relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) towards ensuring safe healthcare options among Nigerian women and adolescents.
She further said the health promotion department was working assiduously to educate the populace on sexual reproductive health and rights, and tackling maternal deaths in the country.
The Executive Secretary, Ogun state primary health care department, Dr Elijah Olushola said over 20% to 30% of maternal deaths in Nigeria is as a result of unsafe abortion amongst adolescents and young people.
He lamented the unavailability of routine data on abortion, adding that there is need for a review of abortion laws in the country.
Dr. Lucky Palmer, the Country Director of Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation, said that unplanned pregnancies contribute to over 1,500 maternal deaths annually in Nigeria.
Dr. Ufuoma Omo-Obi, Board Chair of Media Health & Rights Initiative of Nigeria , said the World Contraception Day reminds us of the critical need to ensure access to modern and effective contraceptive methods for all including adolescents and women with disabilities.
He said free and available contraceptives for everyone would help reduce the country’s high maternal mortality rate.
He called on stakeholders to renew their commitments towards the realization of the sexual reproductive health and rights of all women and girls in Nigeria.
“We should continue to support initiatives that provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, improve access to contraceptives and ensure safe abortion services are available for those in need,” he said.
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