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Lagos suspends implementation of abortion guidelines
The state government had, in June, unveiled the new guidelines, but the rules had elicited varied reactions, with some persons expressing reservations over issues on the legality of abortion procedures.
However, according to a statement issued on Thursday by Akin Abayomi, commissioner for health, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, directed the suspension of the guidelines to allow for more time for sensitisation following the interest generated over the matter.
“To this end, we are suspending the implementation of these guidelines in the meantime for the Executive Council to deliberate on this matter and ensure adequate public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement to reach a consensus required for a successful guideline development,” the statement reads.
He explained that the policy document was produced following the need to provide evidence-based data and information for health workers in public and private sectors who have the requisite skills and training necessary to provide safe terminations to reduce preventable deaths.
He added that the guidelines are part of measures to discourage illegal abortions, and also address maternal mortality in cases of high-risk pregnancies.
“This document provides information on relevant laws applicable in Lagos State while providing standards and best practices with regards to legal indications, pre and post-procedure care, methods, and monitoring. I must state here that this document has undergone wide consultation with relevant technical stakeholders within the legal and health service context in the state.”
“In this regard, it became imperative to examine, in keeping with existing National and State laws and policies, if there are indeed justifications and medical reasons to offer abortion to a woman whose life is threatened by a pregnancy,” he added
