Delta State Government Warns Medical Personnel Against Providing Family Planning Services to Underage Girls
In a bold move, the Delta State Government in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to medical personnel who provide family planning services to underage girls, stating that they will face prosecution if caught. The warning was given by the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Ohwovoriole Ekemejero SAN, during a family planning town hall meeting held on World Contraception Day in Asaba, the state capital.
Ekemejero emphasized that providing family planning services to minors without the consent of their parents or guardians is illegal and those involved will be punished accordingly. He advised medical personnel to prioritize the rights of women, allowing them to make informed choices about their reproductive health without coercion or judgment, while also protecting their right to confidentiality when seeking contraceptive services.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, highlighted the importance of family planning, urging women to adopt the practice for their benefit. The Executive Director of the State Primary Health Development Agency, Dr Paul U., called on stakeholders to fund family planning initiatives, citing the need to address Nigeria’s high maternal and child mortality rates.
According to Dr Jedidiah Sodje, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Benin, Nigeria is currently facing significant challenges in maternal and child health, with the country having the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world. He emphasized that family planning is essential to reducing these alarming statistics, empowering women to plan their lives and secure healthier futures for their families.
World Contraception Day is celebrated annually on September 26th, with the aim of improving awareness of contraception and enabling young people to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. Launched in 2007, the campaign centers around a vision where every pregnancy is wanted, and its mission is to provide individuals and couples with the means to decide the number and spacing of their children.
