The Oyo State Government has begun efforts to reduce maternal deaths by adapting the National Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy.
The initiative was launched by the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board during a two-day stakeholders’ meeting held at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Health professionals, medical experts, and policy stakeholders gathered to review and adjust the national guidelines to suit the healthcare needs of Oyo State.
The new move is expected to strengthen reproductive healthcare services and reduce complications linked to unsafe abortion practices.
Moreover, officials said the decision was driven by growing concerns over preventable maternal deaths among women and young girls.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, said the government remains committed to protecting women’s health through improved healthcare services and evidence-based policies.
According to him, unsafe abortion practices continue to contribute to serious health complications and maternal deaths in many communities.
He explained that the adaptation of the national guidelines would help create a proper structure for healthcare workers.
Dr. Olatunji said the policy would guide professionals in delivering safe, ethical, and medically approved reproductive healthcare services across the state.
He stated, “Unsafe termination of pregnancy remains a major contributor to preventable maternal deaths and complications, particularly among women and adolescent girls.”
Furthermore, he explained that the state government wants healthcare services to remain accessible, professional, and aligned with approved medical standards.
Delivering a presentation during the session, the Executive Director of the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps, Dr. Moriam Olaide Jagun, highlighted the importance of proper healthcare training.
She said healthcare workers must understand the legal and medical framework guiding safe pregnancy termination, especially when a woman’s life is at risk.
According to Dr. Jagun, increased awareness among health professionals could help reduce complications caused by unsafe abortion methods.
She further emphasized the need for healthcare workers to treat women with dignity and confidentiality during medical consultations.
“Healthcare providers have a professional responsibility to uphold the dignity and rights of clients while operating within the limits of the law,” she stated.
In addition, participants at the meeting praised the discussions for being practical and relevant to modern healthcare delivery. The session also focused on ethical responsibilities, proper documentation, and respectful patient care.
Stakeholders agreed that stronger collaboration between government agencies and health professionals remains important in improving maternal healthcare services.
