Give women access to safe, voluntary family planning, group asks the government to do

The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria, or NRHJN, has asked all levels of government to put policies in place that will guarantee that women’s rights to access safe and voluntary family planning services are not violated.

The Network announced the decision on Monday in a press release that was provided to OBASANJO NEWS24 in Taraba State.

The Network’s National Secretary and President, Yinka Shokunbi, jointly signed the statement.

Sekinah Lawal was published to mark World Contraception Day in 2023.

The Network stated that preventing unwanted births will significantly cut maternal ill-health and the number of pregnancy-related deaths, emphasising the importance of contraceptive information and services to everyone’s health and human rights.

The organisation continued by saying that contraceptives prevent unplanned pregnancies, cut the rate of abortions, and decrease the incidence of death and disability linked to pregnancy and delivery difficulties.

Sadly, despite its many advantages and numerous initiatives by the government and development partners to promote usage, contraception use in Nigeria has remained low.

In accordance with the group, it is advised to wait at least two years or 24 months before trying for a second pregnancy.