Bisola Oduwole-Suleiman
A recent symposium in Lagos has called for urgent measures to address the ongoing prejudices surrounding women’s sexual health and reproductive rights, with a specific focus on the need for Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) services. The event, attended by health professionals, advocates, and religious leaders, aimed to strategize on supporting women’s health and safeguarding their rights.
Dr. Kehinde Okunade, a leading gynecologist from the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists of Nigeria (SOGON) Lagos Chapter, emphasized the importance of STOP services, which are medically supervised procedures to end a pregnancy. “Access to STOP services is crucial for mitigating the risks of unsafe abortions, a significant cause of maternal mortality,” Dr. Okunade stated. “By providing safe and legal options, we can reduce deaths and severe complications related to unsafe procedures.”
Highlighting that unsafe abortions account for a considerable percentage of maternal deaths in Nigeria, Dr. Okunade asserted, “Implementing STOP services can drastically reduce these numbers. It’s about saving lives and preserving the health of women who might otherwise resort to dangerous methods.”
The symposium also focused on respecting women’s autonomy and rights. Mrs. Yinka Shokunbi, a women’s rights advocate and health journalist, stressed, “Women must have the right to make decisions about their bodies. Ensuring access to STOP services is a fundamental aspect of gender equality and reproductive justice.” She encouraged media practitioners to explicitly report on women’s issues. “Education and awareness campaigns are essential to inform women about their options and dispel myths and misconceptions,” She added
Government support, funding, and collaboration with non-governmental organizations were identified as critical to the successful implementation of STOP services. Wemimo Adewuni, media communications manager for WARDC stressed the need for engagement with religious and community leaders, journalist and relevant stakeholders to foster an environment that respects women’s choices and health needs.
Reverend John Ihitegbulem, General Secretary of the Interfaith Public Health Advocacy, Lagos State, expressed support for women’s reproductive rights. “While our faith values life, it also acknowledges the importance of a woman’s right to make informed decisions about her health. Women should have the space to express themselves and access the care they need without fear of stigma or persecution,” Reverend Ihitegbulem noted.
Mrs. Alu Azege from the Media Health Rights Initiative highlighted the importance of providing a supportive environment for women to discuss their reproductive health. “Women need to feel safe and respected when seeking healthcare. This includes upholding their right to confidentiality and offering compassionate care,” she said.
The symposium concluded with a call to action by Mrs. Mary Peluola-George, Director of WARDC, urging all stakeholders to work together to dismantle prejudices and support women’s sexual health and reproductive rights. Ensuring access to safe and legal STOP services is seen as a critical step towards achieving this goal and promoting the well-being and autonomy of women across Nigeria.