FG Urged To Review CS Consent Rules In Emergency Cases

Members of the Children in Tent Makers Pastoral Ministries (TMPM), Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Nyanya, Abuja, have called on the Federal Government and relevant health authorities to review existing consent procedures for Caesarean Section (CS) operations, particularly in emergency situations, as part of efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.

The appeal was made on Sunday during activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration at the church in Nyanya, where children staged a drama highlighting the challenges faced by pregnant women requiring emergency medical intervention during childbirth.

Speaking with journalists after the presentation, 10-year-old Treasure Solomon Onuoha expressed concern over cases where delays in obtaining consent for emergency Caesarean Sections have reportedly contributed to the loss of mothers and babies.

According to her, many families have been subjected to emotional pain and trauma following complications arising from delayed medical decisions during childbirth.

She argued that requiring a husband’s signature before a life-saving operation in certain emergency situations places women at a disadvantage, especially when immediate action is needed to save lives.

“This woman is an adult and the patient is receiving treatment. She is the one experiencing the pain and facing a medical emergency,” she said.

“Many homes have suffered the agony of losing mothers because of delays associated with obtaining consent. We are appealing to the Federal Government to review the policy and create provisions that will allow doctors to act quickly in genuine emergency situations where every second counts.”

The young advocate stressed that protecting the lives of mothers and children should remain a national priority and urged policymakers to consider reforms that would support faster medical intervention during critical cases.

Also speaking at the event, a medical practitioner with Asokoro District Hospital, Dr. Kingsley Sunday Azugo, warned that delays in seeking medical attention during labour and childbirth could have fatal consequences for both mother and child.

He noted that some pregnant women are identified as requiring elective Caesarean Sections while others present emergency conditions that demand urgent surgical intervention.

According to him, early hospital attendance, regular antenatal care and adherence to medical advice remain critical to preventing avoidable complications during delivery.

“There are pregnant women scheduled for elective Caesarean Sections and there are others who become emergency cases. Both situations require prompt medical attention and appropriate decision-making,” he said.

Dr. Azugo explained that hospitals often seek consent from family members because surgical procedures can sometimes involve unforeseen risks, making documentation necessary from both medical and legal perspectives.

He, however, emphasized the need for greater awareness among families regarding maternal health and urged husbands to remain actively involved in the healthcare needs of their wives throughout pregnancy.

The doctor further encouraged couples to support one another during difficult periods, stressing that family cooperation can significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes.

In his remarks, the Zonal Pastor of Tent Makers Pastoral Ministries (TMPM), Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Pastor Abraham Terence, sought to address misconceptions surrounding Caesarean Section deliveries.

According to him, undergoing a Caesarean Section should not be viewed negatively by society or within religious circles, as medical procedures are often necessary to preserve life.

Pastor Terence referenced the biblical account of the creation of Eve from Adam’s rib, arguing that surgical intervention is not contrary to faith.

“Caesarean Section is not a sin. God Himself performed the first operation when He removed Adam’s rib to create Eve. Therefore, people should not stigmatise women who deliver through CS,” he said.

The cleric urged fathers to make themselves readily available whenever their spouses require medical attention, particularly during childbirth, noting that prompt decisions can save lives.

He also called on the government at all levels to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, improve access to quality medical facilities and make healthcare more affordable for pregnant women and children.

Pastor Terence further appealed for increased public enlightenment on maternal health issues, noting that many pregnancy-related complications can be prevented through early diagnosis, regular antenatal care and timely medical intervention.

The Children’s Day programme featured health awareness activities, drama presentations and advocacy messages aimed at promoting maternal and child welfare.

Participants emphasized the need for stronger policies, improved healthcare access and greater family support systems to reduce preventable deaths among mothers and newborns across the country.