Health experts and civil society groups in Ogun State have raised concerns over rising maternal deaths linked to unsafe abortions, warning residents to stop patronising unqualified practitioners. The warning was issued during a one-day training in Abeokuta focused on reproductive health awareness and reducing unsafe abortion practices. Stakeholders stressed that seeking care from trained doctors is critical to saving the lives of women and expectant mothers.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ogun State branch, Dr Deborah Osisanwo, said maternal lives must be protected at all costs. She urged untrained persons to stop carrying out abortion-related procedures and instead refer such cases to recognised health facilities. According to her, the Ogun State Government has introduced a pocket-sized version of the STOP guidelines to protect qualified doctors and encourage residents to seek proper medical help without fear.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Trust and Support Foundation, Victoria Madukwe, noted that unsafe abortions remain common in many communities. She explained that fear of stigma often pushes women to patronise quacks, sometimes leading to death or severe emotional distress. Madukwe said the training was designed to equip civil society organisations with the right information to educate communities on family planning, reproductive health, and the importance of visiting health facilities.

On his part, the State Chairman of the Ward Development Committee (WDC), Ogun State Council, Dapo Wahaab, promised to take the message to all 236 wards across the state. He said community leaders and women champions would help spread awareness at the grassroots level, ensuring residents understand the dangers of unsafe abortions and the need to rely on trained medical professionals.