LIFE Tasks FG on Legal Reform, Improved Healthcare Access, Community Education, and Partnerships to Reduce Maternal Morbidity Due to Unsafe Abortion
…Makes analysis on maternal morbidity due to unsafe abortion in Nigeria
… Says unsafe abortion remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity.
By Onome Naomi
In a recent analysis made by Leadership Initiative For Youth Empowerment (LIFE), it is said that unsafe abortion remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, contributing heavily to maternal morbidity and mortality. However, the federal government can curtail maternal morbidity through improved access to healthcare, community education, and partnerships.
LIFE noted that despite advancements in healthcare, many women, especially those in rural and underserved communities, face limited access to safe reproductive health services. The consequences of these limitations are severe, as unsafe abortion procedures continue to threaten the health and lives of countless women across the country.
Unsafe abortion, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy either by individuals lacking the necessary skills or in an environment that does not conform to minimal medical standards.
LIFE’s analysis in understanding unsafe abortions in Nigeria reveals that restrictive abortion laws permitting abortion only to save a woman’s life have forced many women to seek clandestine and unsafe procedures. These procedures are often carried out by untrained individuals in non-sterile environments, increasing the risk of complications.
More also, maternal morbidity due to unsafe abortion in Nigeria is alarmingly high. It is said that each year, approximately 1.25 million abortions are estimated to occur in the country, with a significant portion being unsafe. Studies indicate that about 40% of women who undergo abortions experience complications that may include severe hemorrhaging, infections, damage to the reproductive organs, and, in severe cases, infertility or death.
Furthermore, several socio-economic and cultural factors contribute to the prevalence of unsafe abortion practices in Nigeria, this includes:
Lack of access to reproductive health services like family planning services, contraceptives, and safe abortion care, particularly in rural areas. This inadequacy leaves them vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies and unsafe procedures.
More factors, including stigmatization and legal barriers, poverty and low education levels, and inadequate sex education, are also factors contributing to unsafe abortions.
Meanwhile, the health implications of abortion vary and have severe physical and psychological consequences for women in Nigeria. Complications such as severe bleeding, infections, and organ damage are common. Women who survive these complications often face long-term health issues, including chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and increased vulnerability to subsequent high-risk pregnancies. The psychological impact, such as trauma and anxiety, also poses a significant health burden.
LIFE inputs that efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality due to unsafe abortion in Nigeria must focus on:
Lack of Access to Reproductive Health Services: Expanding access to safe and legal abortion services, postabortion care, and contraceptive options is essential.
Health facilities, particularly in rural areas, should be equipped with skilled professionals and necessary resources.
Legal and Policy Reforms: Reforming Nigeria’s restrictive abortion laws could help provide women with safer options and reduce reliance on unsafe practices. Advocacy efforts should aim at creating an enabling legal environment for women’s reproductive rights.
Community Awareness and Education Programs: Increasing awareness about the dangers of unsafe abortion and providing comprehensive sex education are crucial. Programs should target both men and women to reduce stigma and misinformation while promoting family planning and reproductive health services.
Partnerships with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Collaborating with NGOs and international organizations can help provide additional support, training, and funding to improve reproductive health services.
In conclusion, LIFE added that unsafe abortion remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity in Nigeria. Addressing the issue requires a multi-faceted approach that combines legal reform, improved healthcare access, community education, and partnerships. By tackling the root causes and providing women with safe reproductive health options, Nigeria can significantly reduce maternal morbidity and protect the health and well-being of its women.
