From Mika’il Tsoho,Dutse
A non governmental organization known as Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), has called for the speedy implementation of Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) policy documents in Jigawa state.
The call was made during the presentation of the documents, shortly after a one-day high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at M-Town Hotel, Dutse, where participants deliberated on the formulation and implementation of the STOP policy in the state.
Miss. Shella Ibrahim Audu of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) explained that the meeting brought together policymakers, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to chart a workable framework for safer reproductive healthcare practices in Jigawa.
“We all know that safe termination of pregnancy is a sensitive issue. Looking at the peculiarity of Jigawa and the high rate of deaths among women due to unsafe practices, the STOP guidelines highlight conditions, such as rape, under which termination of pregnancy should be allowed. With proper legislation, qualified medical professionals will handle such cases, preventing victims from falling into the hands of quacks,” Miss. Audu said.
She emphasized that enacting and implementing supportive laws would empower women to exercise their health rights and make informed decisions about their lives.
WARDC also stressed the need for effective implementation of policies, noting that while Nigeria has good laws on paper, enforcement remains weak.
According to Audu, Jigawa is one of six states selected for the rollout of the STOP guidelines, alongside Osun, Oyo, Gombe, Akwa Ibom, and Anambra, due to the alarming number of women dying from complications of unsafe abortion.
She added that the document would serve as a vital tool to guide policymakers and healthcare stakeholders in addressing the menace.
