Oyo PHC Board Adapts National Safe Pregnancy Termination Guidelines

To strengthen reproductive health services and improve maternal health outcomes, the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board has commenced the adaptation of the National Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP).

At a two-day adaptation process for the STOP guidelines held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the executive secretary of the board, Dr Muideen Olatunji, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality through evidence-based policies, improved access to quality healthcare services, and enhanced capacity building for healthcare providers at all levels of care.

Olatunji noted that unsafe termination of pregnancy remains a major contributor to preventable maternal deaths and complications, particularly among women and adolescent girls.

He explained that adopting the national guidelines would provide a coordinated framework for healthcare professionals and stakeholders to deliver safe, ethical, and rights-based reproductive health services in line with approved legal and medical standards.

He stated that the initiative underscores the government’s determination to strengthen the healthcare system through inclusive dialogue, stakeholder collaboration, and the adoption of best practices to safeguard the health and well-being of women and families across the state.

The meeting brought together critical stakeholders from various medical and professional fields to review, domesticate, and contextualise the national guidelines in line with Oyo State’s healthcare priorities.

Delivering a presentation on safe termination of pregnancy for legal indications during the stakeholders’ engagement and capacity-building session, the executive director of the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps, Dr Moriam Jagun, emphasised the importance of equipping healthcare providers with accurate knowledge of the legal and medical frameworks guiding safe termination of pregnancy, particularly in situations where the life or health of a woman is at risk.

She noted that improving awareness among health workers would help reduce preventable maternal deaths and complications arising from unsafe abortion practices.

Jagun also highlighted the need for respectful, confidential, and non-judgmental care for women and girls seeking abortion-related information and services.

She stressed that healthcare providers have a professional responsibility to uphold clients’ dignity and rights while operating within the law.

Participants at the training commended the presentation for its clarity, depth, and practical relevance to healthcare delivery.

The session also provided opportunities for interactive discussions on ethical responsibilities, confidentiality, accurate documentation, and quality abortion-related care.

Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting policies and interventions that promote maternal health, reduce unsafe abortion-related complications, and improve access to life-saving reproductive healthcare services across Oyo State.