By: Olubunmi Osoteku, Ibadan
The Oyo State Government has begun the domestication of the National Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) to enhance reproductive healthcare services and reduce maternal deaths across the state.
Speaking during a two-day stakeholders’ workshop held at the University College Hospital, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving maternal health through evidence-based policies, quality healthcare delivery, and continuous training for medical personnel.
He explained that unsafe abortion remains a significant cause of preventable maternal deaths and health complications, especially among women and teenage girls.
According to him, adapting the national guidelines will help establish a coordinated system that enables healthcare providers to offer safe, ethical, and rights-based reproductive health services within approved legal and medical frameworks.
Olatunji added that the move demonstrates the state government’s resolve to strengthen healthcare delivery through stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and the adoption of best practices aimed at protecting women and families.
In a presentation titled “Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Legal Indications,” the Executive Director of the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps, Dr Moriam Jagun, stressed the need for healthcare workers to fully understand the legal and medical provisions guiding safe pregnancy termination, particularly in situations where a woman’s life or health is endangered.
She noted that better awareness among healthcare professionals would help reduce deaths and complications linked to unsafe abortion practices.
Dr Jagun also urged healthcare providers to ensure confidential, respectful, and non-discriminatory treatment for women and girls seeking abortion-related care and information.
Participants at the workshop described the session as insightful and practical, noting that it encouraged discussions on ethics, confidentiality, proper documentation, and quality reproductive healthcare services.
Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their support for policies and programmes aimed at improving maternal healthcare, reducing complications from unsafe abortions, and expanding access to life-saving reproductive health services throughout Oyo State.
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