Participants at a public hearing for the proposed Ogun State Safe Termination of Pregnancy Law, 2026, have praised the State House of Assembly for introducing the legislation. Supporters included figures such as Dr. Azeem Ashimi, former head of the state NMA, Nurse Bello Adejoke, and Oba Morufu Adebayo, the Onitafin of Otafin.
Speakers highlighted that the bill aims to lower maternal mortality rates and protect healthcare providers by removing existing legal uncertainties. They emphasized that current ambiguity often delays critical care and stressed the need for legal protections for medical professionals. Additionally, they urged the government to implement systems that ensure victims of rape or incest receive care from licensed experts rather than dangerous, unqualified providers.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker noted that the bill creates a safety net for women’s health and provides mental health support for those dealing with the trauma of unwanted pregnancies. House Committee on Health Chairman Wahab Haruna stated that the law is a vital step toward preventing avoidable deaths and injuries among women.
Speaker Oludaisi Elemide explained that the legislature prioritized this bill to combat the rising toll of unregulated abortions. He affirmed that the final law will establish clear conditions for safe procedures while penalizing criminal activities that exploit gaps in the current system. The assembly has promised to carefully integrate all stakeholder feedback into the final draft of the legislation.
