In a decisive move aimed at tackling one of the most persistent public health crises in Nigeria, the Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Safe Termination of Pregnancy (SToP) guidelines. This renewed focus on safe, medically supervised, and legally permissible abortion services was spotlighted during a seminar held in Abeokuta on October 10, 2025, organized by the Ogun State Ministry of Health in partnership with the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps. The event, themed "Breaking Barriers to Safe Termination of Pregnancy to Save Lives," brought together key stakeholders including healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, legal experts, and government officials.
Dr Elijah Ogunsola, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Healthcare Board, delivered the state’s assurance at the seminar, underscoring the urgent necessity of addressing unsafe abortion as a public health crisis. According to Dr Ogunsola, "Unsafe abortion remains one of the top five direct causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria, with an alarming 97 percent of such cases occurring among women from low- and middle-income backgrounds. These preventable deaths are often the result of limited access to accurate information, safe services, and the stigma surrounding reproductive health." His comments, as reported by both Premium Times and The Punch, highlight the gravity of the issue and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.
The SToP guidelines, which the Ogun State Government is determined to strengthen, offer a rights-based approach to reproductive health. Dr Ogunsola emphasized the government’s collaborative strategy, stating, "The Ogun State Government is, however, committed to working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, and legal experts, towards strengthening the implementation of the Safe Termination of Pregnancy (SToP) guidelines." This multi-sectoral approach is seen as vital for overcoming the entrenched barriers that prevent women from accessing safe and legal abortion services.
The legal foundation for these efforts is rooted in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which supports the right to access safe abortion care within legal boundaries. Dr Ogunsola noted, "This constitutional backing reinforces the state’s responsibility to protect the health and rights of women and girls through lawful and medically safe reproductive health services." The guidelines are not a blanket endorsement of abortion but provide clear legal parameters: terminations are permitted in cases where the pregnancy poses a danger to the mother’s life or physical health, including circumstances of rape, incest, or severe medical conditions such as cancer.
Dr Moriam Jagun, Executive Director of the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps, further illuminated the human cost of unsafe abortion. She described it as "one of the most preventable causes of death, yet one that continues to endanger the lives and futures of vulnerable women and girls." Dr Jagun pointed out that, across Nigeria and West Africa, stigma and silence often stifle open discussion about abortion, making it harder for women to access the care they need. She called on governments, policymakers, healthcare professionals, legal experts, faith leaders, and civil society to join forces in improving access to evidence-based, life-saving care, emphasizing that "there are various existing opportunities for women to make choices that are rights-based and within the legal framework."
During a panel session focused on strengthening abortion services as life-saving care, Mrs Oluwakemi Lawal, Director of the Citizens’ Rights Department, provided clarity on the legal context. She stated that legal abortions in Nigeria are permitted "where the pregnancy poses a danger to the mother’s life or physical health, including cases of rape, incest, or severe medical conditions." Mrs Lawal stressed the importance of ensuring that such procedures are performed by qualified health professionals in safe, hygienic environments—a critical safeguard against the dangers of unsafe, clandestine abortions.
Dr Olusoji Jagun, representing the Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Nigeria, reinforced the importance of safe abortion services in upholding women’s rights. He asserted that "a safe abortion upholds women’s rights to make informed decisions about their reproductive health without fear of legal repercussions or social stigma." Dr Jagun also called for increased public awareness of the SToP guidelines, noting that better knowledge and understanding of the law could prevent maternal deaths, ill health, and disability resulting from unsafe procedures.
Nigeria continues to record one of the highest maternal mortality ratios globally. According to the World Health Organization and multiple Nigerian health authorities, unsafe abortion remains a leading contributor to preventable maternal deaths in the country. The statistics are sobering: 97 percent of unsafe abortion cases occur among women from low- and middle-income backgrounds, a figure that underscores the intersection of poverty, limited healthcare access, and reproductive rights.
The Ogun State Government’s push for the SToP guidelines is part of a broader strategy to reduce these grim numbers. By ensuring that abortion services, when legally indicated, are accessible, safe, and stigma-free, the government aims to protect the health and dignity of women and girls. The initiative also seeks to dispel myths and misinformation around abortion, which often deter women from seeking necessary care or force them into unsafe alternatives.
Stakeholders at the seminar agreed that changing public perception is as crucial as changing policy. Many women, especially in rural or conservative communities, fear social ostracism or legal consequences if they seek abortion services—even when their circumstances fall squarely within the law. This stigma, coupled with a lack of accurate information, perpetuates a cycle of silence and risk.
To break this cycle, panelists urged the government and its partners to launch public awareness campaigns. These would educate communities about the SToP guidelines, clarify the legal rights of women, and promote the importance of seeking care from qualified health professionals. "We need to make sure that women know their rights and can access safe services without fear," Dr Olusoji Jagun said during the discussion.
Faith leaders and civil society organizations were also identified as key allies in the fight against unsafe abortion. By engaging influential figures and grassroots networks, the government hopes to foster a more supportive environment for women’s reproductive health decisions. The Centre for Bridging Health Gaps, for its part, has pledged to continue its advocacy and support for evidence-based, rights-focused reproductive healthcare.
As the Ogun State Government moves forward with the SToP initiative, observers will be watching to see how these commitments translate into real-world changes. The stakes are high: every year, thousands of Nigerian women lose their lives or suffer severe complications due to unsafe abortion. By prioritizing legal, safe, and compassionate care, Ogun State aims to set a new standard for reproductive health in Nigeria—one where women’s lives and rights are protected, and preventable deaths become a thing of the past.
