The Lagos State Ministry of Health and Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos Sector have renewed their commitment to tackling maternal mortality,
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated this during a visit by a SOGON delegation led by former National President, Prof. Rotimi Akinola, and Lagos Sector Chairman, Prof. Abidoye Gbadegesin.
Akinola emphasised that while abortion remains a sensitive issue, its impact on maternal mortality cannot be ignored.
We are not campaigning for abortion on demand. What we are asking for is a safe, policy-aligned approach to situations where termination is medically necessary,” he said.
Akinola urged the state government to provide policy that enables healthcare providers to act safely and responsibly. “This is about saving lives, not debating morals. Maternal death from preventable causes, whether from unsafe abortion, lack of skilled care, or poor infrastructure is unacceptable. We must deploy all available mechanisms to protect our women,” he added.
To strengthen maternal health surveillance and accountability, both parties also discussed the need to institutionalise the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system.
