30 December 2015
[space_20]
A Nigerian hospital illegally detained a woman who could not pay for the maternal health services she received and denied her emergency services later on that led to her death according to a case filed before the High Court of Nigeria today.
[space_20]
In the petition, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), with technical support from the Center for Reproductive Rights, is holding Lagos University Teaching Hospital, as well as the hospital’s medical director, the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Health, accountable for the ill-treatment and death of Folake Oduyoye. WARDC is seeking a declaration that the detainment was illegal, unconstitutional, and in breach of her rights, along with financial reparations and a public apology.
[space_20]
Said Onyema Afulukwe, senior legal adviser for Africa at the Center for Reproductive Rights: “The High Court of Nigeria must recognize the treatment Folake received as the gross human rights violations that they are, and order systematic changes in all hospitals so women can get essential health care services without fear of being detained, mistreated, and left to die.”
[space_20]
Folake Oduyoye was admitted to Lagos University Teaching Hospital on 7 September 2014 due to complications from a caesarean delivery at another hospital on 30 August. After receiving treatment and being discharged on 31 October 2014, she and her husband received an outstanding bill of N 1,382,700. He paid N 300,000 but that was not sufficient for the hospital and they detained Folake, keeping her in a heavily guarded ward that lacked a toilet, electricity or mosquito netting.
[space_20]
She was denied any medical attention because the hospital claimed she had been discharged, yet she needed post-surgical care. Her husband made multiple pleas for her release, assuring that they would pay the remaining balance monthly. But weeks went by, and she started having serious health complications. Their cries for help were ignored and Folake died in the hospital on 13 December 2014 from puerperal sepsis and pneumonia.
[space_20]
“The illegal detention of women in hospitals is unfair, unconstitutional and contributes to Nigeria’s high rate of maternal deaths and pregnancy-related complications,” said Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director of WARDC. “The government of Nigeria needs to change this criminal practice and provide pregnant women the services and care they deserve.”
[space_20]
From: a Center for Reproductive Rights press release
[space_20]
