by Jimisayo Opanuga
08 October 2024
Nigeria is currently at a digital war following the exposure of abortion-related content in a Junior Secondary School (JSS3) science textbook, which has caused intense debate over the country’s educational system, moral values, and how financial hardship is influencing reproductive decisions.
Continued: https://guardian.ng/features/nigerians-divided-on-abortion-education-contents-in-jss3-textbooks/
Federal Government Moves to Decriminalize Abortion Amid Concerns Over Maternal Deaths Linked to Unsafe Procedures in Nigeria
October 4, 2024
The federal government is taking steps to decriminalise abortion in the country, according to Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, Director of the Family Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Health.
Speaking during the SRHR Summit 1.0 in Abuja, held to mark World Contraception Day, Dr. Ukaire, represented by Barrister Nma Ogbonna, noted that sections 288 to 290 of the Criminal Code currently make abortion illegal. However, the government, in partnership with health advocates, recognises the need to protect the lives of women and girls of reproductive age by reforming these laws.
Continued: https://www.withinnigeria.com/news/2024/10/04/fg-moves-to-decriminalise-abortion-in-nigeria/
By Racheal Abujah
October 4, 2024
Health sector stakeholders have raised alarm over the concerning rate of unsafe abortions in Nigeria, where approximately 610,000 unsafe abortions occur annually.
This revelation was made during the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Summit 1.0, held in Abuja to commemorate World Contraception Day 2024.
The summit, organised by the Media, Health, and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHRIN), was themed “A Choice for All: Freedom to Plan, Power to Choose.” The event brought together health professionals, policymakers and advocates to discuss the alarming number of unsafe abortions in Nigeria and the urgent need to improve access to contraceptives as a solution to unplanned pregnancies and maternal mortality.
September 29, 2024
By Cyriacus Nnaji
Initiative to Resist Institutional Slavery and Exploitation (IRISE) has taken the campaign for Reproductive Health and Family Planning to Lagos State communities, stressing more on the right of women to make vital decisions on health matters concerning them.
… Omodele Ibitoye Ejeh, the Executive Director of IRISE, the One Billion Rising Coordinator in Nigeria and a Professional Counselor with over 22 years of experience, speaking on what informed her organising the campaign said “The campaign titled in Yoruba, “To Bà Sé Wo”, meaning, If It Is You, is looking at sexual reproductive health, education and right, and we are actually focusing on stigmatization from abortion and death from unsafe abortion.”
18 September 2024
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The Ogun State government has launched the rural maternal health emergency transport service, as part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality in the State.
Speaking at the flags-off of the programme, which took place at Odeda local government Secretariat, the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun said, the State government is making efforts to reduce maternal deaths through various interventions, that include employment of over 200 nurses and midwives into the health system.
By Chioma Umeha
Sep 11, 2024
LAGOS – Experts are sounding the alarm that restrictive abortion laws in African nations, particularly Nigeria, are likely to exacerbate maternal death rates. Historical data from Romania indicates a significant decline in abortion-related deaths following the repeal of such laws, with rates dropping from 34 per 100,000 to less than 1 per 100,000. South Africa has seen similar improvements after easing restrictions.
The ongoing enforcement of restrictive abortion laws in Nigeria and other African countries is expected to lead to increased maternal mortality, complicate teenage pregnancies, and inflict emotional distress on women and children. Additionally, these laws are projected to disrupt women’s economic productivity, resulting in increased time away from work and further economic challenges.
2nd September, 2024
By Adejoke Adeleye, Ogun
As part of its bid to help flatten the curve of unwanted pregnancies among women and adolescent girls in Nigeria, the African Girls Empowerment Network (AGE) is set to launch 2024 Belle by Choice Challenge.
AGE Network, in a release signed by its Administrator, Matina Ebri said it has been able to form a movement for collective actions #Bellebychoicemovement# with Advocate for Peace Nature and Gender justice (APNAG), Assist Women and Develop Children Initiative, Association for the Restoration of the Dignity of Womanhood, Women for women empowerment CBO, Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative, Women for Decency International Outreach, Gender Breast Health Foundation, Gangiche Group of Company, Network For Youth Enlightenment And Development N-YED, Abdulganiyu Lawal, Kabaa Digital Resource Centre, Centre for Communities Education and Youth Development, Abraham’s Children Foundation, G. O .Lawalson Trading Company, The Young and Woman initiative, Bethel Viva Foundation, Centre for Communities Education and Youth Development, Free Hearts Africa Reach Out Foundation (FAROF) and many more.
By Olubunmi Osoteku, Lagos
On Aug 30, 2024
A medical expert, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, has recommended the need for data-driven actions for bringing about tangible results in the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The expert disclosed that the fight against unsafe abortion and other sexual reproductive health issues remains a challenge due to conflicting voices on the matter.
… Highlighting that many individuals speaking out on abortion are driven by emotions, lack of data, misinformation, and imagination, Fatusi stressed that a shift towards evidence-based decision-making is crucial to addressing the challenge effectively. He said: “By allowing data to drive actions, interventions can be implemented with clear outcomes that everyone can understand.”
Continued: https://von.gov.ng/expert-recommends-data-for-promotion-of-sexual-reproductive-health-rights/
July 26, 2024
Gbenga Salau, Guardian Nigeria
Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists of Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos chapter, have called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to lift suspension on safe termination of pregnancy.
The groups, which stated this yesterday during a webinar, maintained that the policy is critical to checking maternal deaths and avoidable deaths from pregnancies.
Continued: https://guardian.ng/news/groups-implore-sanwo-olu-to-lift-suspension-on-safe-abortion/
By Ojoma Akor
Tue, 23 Jul 2024
Stakeholders in the health sector have harped on the need to scale up innovative solutions to address the maternal health challenges bedeviling the country.
They stated this yesterday during the National Policy Dialogue on Maternal Health organised by Nigeria Health Watch with the theme: “Scaling Maternal Health Innovations in Nigeria: Learning, Challenges and Opportunities”.
Continued: https://dailytrust.com/innovative-solutions-as-panacea-for-nigerias-maternal-health-challenges/
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