In a bold step toward reshaping public health narratives, health practitioners and civil society organisations gathered in Lagos for a panel discussion hosted by the Leadership Initiative for Youth Empowerment (LIFE).
Themed “Transforming Narratives, Empowering Care: Global Action for Safe Abortion,” the event spotlighted the urgent need to increase awareness around safe abortion and sexual and reproductive health in Nigeria.
Executive Director of Vision Spring Initiative,bDr Ngozi Nwosu, opened the dialogue with a critique of how cultural and religious norms have stifled open conversations around SRH, especially for young women.
“We are still living in denial about unsafe abortion in Nigeria. The records are alarming,” she said. “We judge our young people instead of having heart-to-heart conversations with them.”
She noted that compassionate dialogue must replace silence and stigma if Nigeria intends to protect lives and empower informed choices.
Gynaecologist and member of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society of Nigeria, Dr Modupe Adedeji, emphasised that abortion is often a medically advised intervention. Conditions such as dangerously high blood pressure, foetal death, and severe mental health instability may necessitate safe abortion to protect the life and well-being of the woman.
“These are not moral dilemmas; they are medical emergencies,” she explained. “But without safe platforms for communication, young people turn to quacks and unsafe centres.”
She explained that restrictive abortion laws do not stop abortions; they only make them unsafe.
Representative of Action Health Incorporated, Dr Sholakunmi Olusanya, stressed the importance of equipping young people with accurate SRH information.
She pointed to global examples where early education has led to reduced rates of teenage pregnancy and improved health outcomes.
“If we don’t give our young people enough information, how do we expect to prevent unwanted pregnancies?” she queried. “Knowledge is protection.”
Communication Specialist at the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps, Damilola Danbaba, tackled common misconceptions head-on. He clarified that abortion is not illegal in Nigeria; it is restricted to specific health indications, particularly when the woman’s life is at risk.
“People think abortion is only for the irresponsible or that it causes infertility. These myths are dangerous,” he said. “Most abortions are actually done by married women.”
Danbaba called on health professionals and CSOs to unite in debunking misinformation and promote accurate, compassionate messaging.
The panel concluded with a shared commitment to protect, not punish, health providers who deliver essential care and to update outdated frameworks which criminalise care and endanger lives.
It posited that legal and policy reforms that expand access to safe abortion services are not only necessary, but they are also consistent with Nigeria’s obligations under the Maputo Protocol and other human rights frameworks.
this report is originally reported by Esther Oluku of ThisDay Newspapers. click on the link below to read full story
Health Experts and CSOs Unite to Champion Safe Abortion Awareness in Nigeria – THISDAYLIVE
