Maternal deaths: Advocates promote reproductive health policies in Ogun

By Omobolaji Adekunle

Women’s rights advocates and reproductive health experts have underscored the importance of strengthening reproductive healthcare systems, implementing existing health guidelines and promoting informed public discourse as part of efforts to reduce maternal deaths linked to unsafe abortion and other preventable causes in Nigeria.

The position formed a major part of discussions at a two-day Strategic Media Advocacy and Influence Training on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) organised by Trust and Support Foundation (TSF) in partnership with Amplify Change in Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

The training, which brought together journalists from print, broadcast and online media platforms, focused on strengthening media engagement on reproductive health issues while promoting evidence-based reporting capable of influencing public policy and social change.

Speaking during the programme, the Executive Director of TSF, Victoria Madukwem, said one of the key objectives of the advocacy initiative was to contribute to the reduction of women’s morbidity and mortality through reforms and interventions that improve access to safe and quality reproductive healthcare services.

She noted that unsafe abortion remains a significant contributor to preventable maternal deaths in Nigeria, stressing the need for sustained efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to accurate information and address barriers that prevent women and girls from seeking timely medical care.

According to her, discussions around sexual and reproductive health rights, maternal healthcare, gender-based violence and access to reproductive health information are often clouded by stigma, misinformation and societal judgment.

Madukwem commended Ogun State’s support for the Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) Guidelines and called for sustained implementation, capacity building for healthcare providers and increased public awareness to ensure that women receive quality reproductive healthcare services within the existing legal framework.

She maintained that effective implementation of reproductive health policies and guidelines would contribute significantly to improving maternal health outcomes and reducing preventable deaths.

Madukwem also highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and influencing policy decisions.

“The media remains one of the most powerful tools for public awareness, social change and accountability. The stories journalists tell can either reinforce stigma and misinformation or promote evidence-based discussions that advance public health and policy reforms,” she said.

Also speaking at the training, reproductive health advocate and guest speaker, Wemimo Adewuni, said stronger implementation of reproductive health guidelines and improved access to healthcare services would save lives and improve outcomes for vulnerable women and girls.

She noted that survivors of rape and incest often require urgent medical, psychological and social support, stressing that access to lawful reproductive healthcare services should form part of a comprehensive response to their needs.

“For survivors of rape and incest, access to safe termination of pregnancy is not merely a medical procedure; it is a pathway to reclaiming bodily autonomy, mental health and dignity. It also helps prevent the continued trauma associated with forced pregnancy,” Adewuni said.

She further observed that unsafe abortion continues to contribute to Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, particularly among women who lack access to safe healthcare services and accurate reproductive health information.

According to her, clearer implementation of existing guidelines would enable healthcare professionals to provide care confidently within the law while ensuring standardised post-abortion treatment and support.

Beyond discussions on the STOP Guidelines, participants at the training examined the relevance of the Maputo Protocol in advancing women’s health and reproductive rights across Africa.

Officially known as the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa, the Maputo Protocol was adopted in 2003 to protect the rights, health and dignity of women and girls. Although Nigeria has ratified the protocol, advocates noted the need for continued national efforts toward the effective domestication and implementation of its relevant provisions.

The protocol encourages member states to authorise medical abortion in specific circumstances, including cases of rape, incest, sexual assault and situations where pregnancy poses risks to the life or physical and mental health of the woman.

Stakeholders at the workshop observed that greater awareness and implementation of evidence-based reproductive health policies could help reduce deaths resulting from unsafe abortion while providing legal clarity for healthcare professionals managing complex reproductive health cases.

They noted that despite restrictive laws and social stigma, abortion continues to occur in Nigeria, often under unsafe conditions that expose women and girls to severe complications, infections, infertility and death.

The speakers maintained that improving access to accurate information, professional healthcare services and survivor-centred support systems would significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve reproductive health outcomes.

While acknowledging the cultural, religious and moral sensitivities surrounding abortion, stakeholders emphasised that the broader conversation should focus on public health, human dignity and the protection of vulnerable women and girls.

The training concluded with a call on policymakers, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations and the media to work collaboratively towards improving maternal health outcomes, reducing unsafe abortion-related complications and ensuring that women have access to quality healthcare services within the framework of existing laws.

Participants agreed that responsible journalism, sustained public education and evidence-based policy discussions remain essential to addressing misconceptions and advancing reproductive health advocacy in Nigeria.

They stressed that regardless of differing perspectives on abortion, the central issue remains the need to reduce preventable maternal deaths and ensure that no woman loses her life due to lack of access to safe and quality healthcare.