Koko Maxwella 
UYO, Nigeria – Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom have pledged full commitment to implementing the Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) guidelines to help reduce maternal deaths in the state.
The pledge was made on Thursday during a roundtable in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state, organised by the Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) with support from Global Affairs Canada.
State coordinator for the Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians in Nigeria (SOGON), Dr. Mathias Abah, explained that the guidelines align with international standards and provide legal support for pregnancy terminations necessary to save women’s lives. “This is a rights-based approach to reproductive health,” Abah said.
However, he warned that awareness among healthcare workers remains low and called for wider dissemination.
Consultant obstetrician, Dr. Bless Atat of UUTH stressed that implementing the guidelines could significantly reduce maternal mortality. “In collaboration with partners, we are working to ensure safe and informed application of the guidelines,” he noted.
WARDC programme officer Emmanuella Azu urged for a review to include cases of rape and incest, which are not currently covered. “Women in these circumstances deserve protection too,” she said.
Stakeholders agreed on intensifying sensitisation, sustainable financing, and stronger partnerships to ensure safe, rights-based reproductive healthcare.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
