Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre has urged the Lagos government to reinstate the suspended safe termination of pregnancy guideline to curb preventable maternal deaths.
Its executive chair, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, made the call during a memorial and advocacy dialogue held on Monday in Lagos. The dialogue centred on the prevention of maternal deaths from unsafe maternal health practices.
WARDC organised it in collaboration with the Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Nigeria and the Nigeria Medical Association, Lagos chapter.
Mrs Akiyode-Afolabi noted that the meeting was convened in honour and remembrance of women and girls who died from unsafe abortions, deaths she described as preventable.
She restated the need for policy action, improved healthcare access and stronger support systems for women and girls.
The WARDC boss said Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most populous and progressive states, had previously developed the guideline to address rising maternal mortality.
“Lagos state took a bold step by adopting and domesticating national guidelines, recognising the scale of the problem within its large population,” she said.
According to her, the guideline is developed by health professionals to provide clear direction on managing cases requiring safe termination of pregnancy, particularly where the life of the mother is at risk.
“Today, that guideline has been suspended, and we cannot continue to lose women to preventable causes,” she said.
Mrs Akiyode-Afolabi warned that the absence of clear frameworks often pushed women to unqualified providers such as quack doctors and dangerous methods. She reiterated the need for accessible counselling services, public awareness and community engagement to ensure women received timely, professional care.
She also stressed that beyond legal and policy reforms, a supportive system was required to help women make informed decisions without fear or stigma.
According to her, urgent steps must be taken to strengthen healthcare delivery and prevent further loss of lives.
WARDC acting executive director, Olufemi Kayode, said the gathering was an opportunity to spotlight lives lost while pushing for stronger action. According to her, it is an opportunity to focus on the lives that have been denied a future and to amplify the call for stronger policies to prevent maternal deaths.
Mrs Kayode described the event as more than a gathering, but a moment of reflection and renewed commitment. She urged stakeholders to confront critical questions surrounding maternal mortality, including gaps in access to quality healthcare, information and timely medical intervention.
According to her, maternal mortality has far-reaching consequences beyond health, affecting families, communities and national development.
She identified unsafe practices, poor access to reproductive health information, stigma, poverty and systemic barriers as key drivers of the challenge.
