By Ejire Folakunmi
The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, on Wednesday introduced a bill to curb unsafe childbirth practices and unregulated blood transfusions in the state. The bill, which scaled second reading during plenary in Bauchi, received unanimous support from lawmakers, signaling strong legislative backing for measures aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes statewide.
Suleiman, representing Ningi Constituency, said the proposed legislation targeted rising maternal and perinatal deaths linked to unsafe delivery practices, especially those occurring outside recognized healthcare facilities without skilled medical supervision. Leading the debate, he cited findings from the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Review by the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, which highlighted widespread home births without qualified healthcare providers present.
He noted that seven out of every ten births in the state occurred at home without skilled supervision, increasing risks of complications, infections, and preventable deaths among mothers and newborns. Suleiman disclosed that between July and December 2022, at least 872 maternal and perinatal deaths were recorded in 123 health facilities, including 56 maternal and 816 neonatal fatalities.
He emphasized that the situation has worsened in recent years, with increasing mortality rates reported in facilities including Toro General Hospital and several urban maternity centers. The speaker said the bill seeks to prohibit unregistered home deliveries and imposes penalties on offenders, aiming to safeguard the lives of mothers and newborns through improved compliance with health regulations.
Suleiman also expressed concern over unsafe blood transfusions conducted in unlicensed facilities and private homes, often without proper screening processes or qualified personnel. He warned that such practices expose patients to severe health risks, including infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. The bill would prohibit blood transfusions outside registered facilities and empower authorities to shut illegal clinics.
The proposed legislation also seeks to protect pregnant women by criminalizing attempts by individuals, including relatives, who prevent them from accessing timely medical care. Suleiman commended the Bauchi State Government under Gov. Bala Mohammed for efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, stressing the need for legal backing to address persistent gaps.
Contributing to the debate, Saleh Hodi, representing Disina State Constituency, described the bill as a timely intervention. Nasiru Ahmed, representing Madara-Chinade, attributed the prevalence of unsafe practices to poverty and ignorance. The Deputy Speaker, Jamilu Dahiru, expressed optimism that the bill would significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality across the state.