Ogun Assembly Advances Safe Termination Bill to Curb Maternal Mortality

​ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State House of Assembly has intensified its legislative process on the proposed Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill, bringing together key lawmakers, medical professionals, and civil society groups to forge a legal framework aimed at slashing preventable maternal deaths across the state.

​Following a comprehensive public hearing, the legislature convened a strategic review session in Ikeja, Lagos State, alongside high-ranking state officials, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker. The initiative brings a collaborative push from major advocacy and development partners—such as the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), the Gender Development Initiative (GENDI), and the Centre for Reproductive Rights—to refine the legislation ahead of its clause-by-clause review.

​Representing the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, emphasized that the ongoing deliberations extend beyond the strict confines of the bill to address systemic healthcare improvements and safeguard the fundamental well-being of state residents. Elemide lauded the stakeholders for enriching the legislative process with vital recommendations, reiterating the Assembly’s dedication to compassionate, impactful lawmaking.

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​Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Wahab Haruna, assured the public that all memoranda submitted during the public hearings will be meticulously evaluated. He stressed that the ultimate legislation must balance public health imperatives, human rights, and the communal values of Ogun citizens, noting that the core objective remains the promotion of safe motherhood rather than any partisan agenda.

​Stakeholders at the convening underscored the urgent public health crisis posed by unsafe pregnancy terminations. Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director of WARDC, pointed to unsafe procedures as a persistent driver of maternal mortality, praising the multi-sectoral synergy driving the bill forward. Similarly, Prof. Olubunmi Asimolowo, Executive Director of GENDI, commended the leadership of the Assembly, including bill sponsor Hon. Lukman Atobatele, for fostering an inclusive and evidence-based dialogue.

​Having successfully scaled the first and second readings, the Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill now moves closer to final consideration, with advocates expressing optimism that the prospective law will deliver a robust, medically sound, and legally secure shield for the lives of women and girls throughout the state.