By Omobolaji Ayoola
Professor Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), has urged for a review of Nigeria’s outdated abortion laws to combat the country’s high maternal mortality rate.
During the sixth Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele yearly lecture in obstetrics and gynecology, Fabamwo highlighted the alarming number of unsafe abortions performed annually in Nigeria, with over 80% carried out by unqualified individuals.
He emphasized the restrictive nature of the current abortion law, which dates back to 1907. This law prohibits abortions, even in cases of rape or incest, despite the significant physical and emotional trauma experienced by victims.
The event also honored the late Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele for her contributions to healthcare and her dedication to improving maternal health.
Experts at the event, including UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola and Professor Giwa Osagie, stressed the urgent need to address Nigeria’s reproductive health challenges.
Professor Oluwole Familoni, Chairman of the Omololu-Mulele Endowment Board of Trustees, called for continued collaboration to tackle maternal health issues, inspired by the vision of Chief Omololu-Mulele.
Professor Adewale David Oke, Provost of the College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of a unified approach involving government, funding agencies, and international partners to address the complex challenges facing maternal health in Nigeria.
