ABEOKUTA – Stakeholders from the health sector, traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups and security agencies have thrown their weight behind the Ogun State House of Assembly’s proposed Safe Termination of Pregnancy Law, 2026, describing the legislation as a timely intervention to reduce maternal mortality and provide a clear legal framework for healthcare professionals handling complicated pregnancy cases.
The endorsement came during a public hearing organised by the Ogun State House of Assembly in Abeokuta, where participants urged lawmakers to ensure that the proposed law adequately protects women whose lives are at risk while safeguarding qualified medical practitioners acting within the provisions of the law.
Among those who spoke at the hearing were former Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Azeem Adekunle Ashimi, representative of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Nurse Bello Adejoke, the Onitafin of Otafin, Oba Morufu Alani Adebayo, representatives of the Civil Society Advocacy for Human Rights and Social Development, the League of Imam and Alfa, the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and the Centre for Economic Empowerment and Gender Activities.
The stakeholders noted that the absence of clear legal provisions on safe termination of pregnancy had often resulted in delays in emergency medical intervention, exposing women to avoidable health complications and increasing the risk of maternal deaths.
They also called for adequate legal protection and indemnity for qualified healthcare professionals to shield them from unjust prosecution while carrying out procedures permitted under the law.
In addition, participants stressed the need for measures that would discourage victims of rape and incest from seeking unsafe procedures from unqualified persons, insisting that only licensed medical practitioners should be authorised to provide such services.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said the proposed legislation would strengthen the state’s efforts at protecting the lives of women and improving access to quality reproductive healthcare.
According to her, “The proposed legislation will establish a framework around safeguarding the lives and health of women while also protecting health practitioners offering the services.”
She added that, “The bill will help reduce maternal mortality and provide access to mental health services for women and girls experiencing emotional trauma arising from unwanted pregnancy.”
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Wahab Haruna, said the bill was informed by the need to address preventable deaths associated with pregnancy complications.
He said, “Too many of our mothers, sisters and daughters lose their lives or suffer serious harm from complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth, many of which are preventable.”
Haruna urged stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to enrich the legislation, assuring them that every recommendation would receive legislative attention before the bill is passed.
Declaring the public hearing open, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, explained that the proposed law seeks to provide a legal and institutional framework for safe termination of pregnancy under clearly defined circumstances.
“The proposed legislation is designed to provide a legal and institutional framework for the safe termination of pregnancy under the defined circumstances,” the Speaker said.
He expressed concern over the growing incidence of unregulated abortions and the deaths of adolescents and women arising from unsafe practices, describing the trend as unacceptable.
According to Elemide, “The legislation seeks to entrench safe motherhood, reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and establish the conditions for the safe termination of pregnancy.”
He added that the bill would also protect genuine medical practitioners operating within the law while preventing criminal elements from exploiting existing legal gaps to endanger lives.
The Speaker assured participants that every submission made during the public hearing would be carefully considered to ensure the final legislation reflects the aspirations and concerns of stakeholders across the state.
He expressed confidence that the consultative process would produce a comprehensive law capable of strengthening safe pregnancy management and improving maternal healthcare outcomes in Ogun State.
