The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to medical personnel who provide family planning services to underage girls without proper consent from their parents or guardians, stating that such actions are illegal and punishable by law.
The warning was given by the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Ohwovoriole Ekemejero SAN, at the World Contraception Day event in Asaba.
He emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of women to make informed choices about their reproductive health and the need to protect their confidentiality when seeking contraceptive services.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, and other officials also stressed the importance of family planning for women’s health and called for support from stakeholders to address maternal and child health challenges in Nigeria.
According to him, “Statistics revealed that the country is having the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world, leading to the death of approximately 512 women per 100,000 live births, and one in eight children do not reach their fifth birthday.”
To reduce these alarming statistics, Sodje advised, “We key into family planning,” saying it provides individuals and couples with the means to decide the number and spacing of their children.”
Effective family planning is a powerful tool for women, enabling them to shape their destinies and create healthier, more stable environments for their families.
To promote this vital objective, World Contraception Day is observed annually on September 26.
This global initiative, launched in 2007, envisions a future where all pregnancies are planned and welcomed.
Through education and awareness, World Contraception Day empowers young individuals to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive well-being.
