Stakeholders alarmed by 610,000 unsafe abortions in Nigeria, urge contraceptive access
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 on 26 September 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.
SOURCE: Science Nigeria, by Racheal Abujah, 4 October 2024
+++
Federal Government moves to decriminalize abortion amid concerns over maternal deaths linked to unsafe procedures in Nigeria
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.
SOURCE: Within Nigeria, by Paul Craft, 4 October 2024