By Omobolaji Adekunle
The Ogun State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and improving the well-being of residents as lawmakers concluded a post-public hearing review of the proposed Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill.
The review meeting, held in Ikeja, Lagos State, brought together members of the Assembly, health professionals, civil society organizations, and development partners, including the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Gender Development Initiative (GENDI), Centre for Community Development Health and Family Enhancement Initiatives, Centre for Reproductive Rights, IPAS Nigeria Health Foundation, and Amplify Change.
Speaking at the meeting, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, said discussions had moved beyond the provisions of the bill to focus on broader issues affecting healthcare services in the state.
He commended the participating organizations for their commitment and contributions throughout the legislative process, noting that their recommendations had enriched deliberations on the proposed law.
According to him, the Assembly remains committed to enacting laws and introducing policies that would improve the quality of life of residents across the state.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Wahab Haruna, assured stakeholders that memoranda and recommendations submitted during the public hearing would be thoroughly reviewed during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.
Haruna said the Assembly was determined to enact legislation that would be constitutional, compassionate, and practical while balancing public health concerns, human rights, and societal values.
He added that the House would continue to collaborate with civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to ensure wider acceptance of the proposed legislation.
According to him, the objective of the bill is to reduce preventable maternal deaths and promote safe motherhood in Ogun State.
The Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, explained that the review meeting was organized to evaluate concerns raised during the public hearing, identify areas of agreement, and address outstanding issues.
She described maternal healthcare as a pressing national and global challenge, noting that unsafe termination of pregnancy remains a significant contributor to maternal deaths.
Akiyode-Afolabi said the process reflected the importance of collaboration among advocacy groups, government institutions, and other stakeholders in developing an inclusive legal framework capable of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of GENDI, Prof. Olubunmi Asimolowo, praised the Assembly for adopting an inclusive approach to the legislative process.
She said the extensive consultations, technical reviews, and stakeholder engagements had enabled the bill to progress through its first and second readings.
Asimolowo also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, officials of the Ministry of Health, and members of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board for their contributions to maternal and reproductive healthcare initiatives in the state.
She noted that deliberations during the public hearing highlighted the need for evidence-based policies aimed at addressing unsafe abortion and improving access to quality reproductive healthcare services.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that continued collaboration would pave the way for the passage of legislation capable of reducing preventable maternal deaths and strengthening healthcare delivery in Ogun State.