- Urges residents not to misinterpret it for legalizing abortion
Osun state government has officially unveiled a policy document on the safe termination of pregnancy for legal indications.
Speaking of behalf of the State government during the unveiling ceremony which took place at the local government service commission hall, Abere on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Adekunle Akindele urged residents not to misinterpret it for legalizing abortion.
The document, according to Dr Akindele is aimed at enhancing maternal and child healthcare in addition to improving healthcare delivery services across the state.
He noted that the dissemination of information contained in the vital Policy Document would significantly enhance the provision of quality reproductive health services for women of child-bearing age, thereby enhancing the overall health status of the state.
“This policy document aimed at enhancing maternal and child healthcare in addition to improving healthcare delivery services across the state.
“I appreciate all critical stakeholders in the health and legal sectors, as well as security officers, for their contributions throughout the processes,” Akindele said.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, clarified that the domestication of the policy in Osun state does not equate to the legalization of abortion in the state,stressing thst abortion remains illegal.
In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board (HMB), Dr. Abayomi Oni, emphasized the importance of exploring every avenue to bring down the high maternal mortality rate to ensure the safety of expectant mothers.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Emmanuel Ajah, the Country Director of MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices,said that abortion in Nigeria is not illegal but restrictive.
He stressed the significance of ensuring that healthcare providers understand the legal indications for safe termination of pregnancy.
During the presentation of the Policy Document, Dr. Moriam Olaide Jagun outlined the document’s goal as serving as a tool for the safe termination of pregnancy within the legal framework, particularly in circumstances where the continuation of such pregnancies threaten women’s lives.
Dr. Jagun also referenced specific sections of the laws legalizing termination of pregnancy in the Nigerian Constitution and Osun State’s Criminal Code Law and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law
