An NGO, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), has urged the Lagos State Government to reinstate the suspended safe termination of pregnancy guideline to curb preventable maternal deaths.
Its Executive Chairman, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, made the call during a memorial and advocacy dialogue held on Monday in Lagos.
The dialogue centred on the prevention of maternal deaths from unsafe maternal health practices. It was organised by WARDC in collaboration with the Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Nigeria and the Nigeria Medical Association, Lagos Chapter.
Akiyode-Afolabi noted that the meeting was convened in honour and remembrance of women and girls who died from unsafe abortions, deaths she described as preventable.
She emphasised the need for policy action, improved healthcare access and stronger support systems for women and girls.
The WARDC boss stated that Lagos, as one of Nigeria’s most populous and progressive states, had previously developed the guideline to address rising maternal mortality.
“Lagos State took a bold step by adopting and domesticating national guidelines, recognising the scale of the problem within its large population,” she said.
According to her, the guideline was developed by health professionals to provide clear direction on managing cases requiring safe termination of pregnancy, particularly where the life of the mother is at risk.
She, however, expressed concern that the policy had been suspended, leaving many women vulnerable to unsafe practices.
“Today, that guideline has been suspended, and we cannot continue to lose women to preventable causes,” she said.
Akiyode-Afolabi warned that the absence of clear frameworks often pushed women to unqualified providers such as quack doctors and dangerous methods.
She reiterated the need for accessible counselling services, public awareness and community engagement to ensure women received timely, professional care.
She also stressed that beyond legal and policy reforms, a supportive system was required to help women make informed decisions without fear or stigma.
According to her, urgent steps must be taken to strengthen healthcare delivery and prevent further loss of lives.
“We should not leave people to quacks or force them into making harmful decisions due to lack of support.
“We are standing for those who should be here today but are no more. Their stories must push us to act,” she said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, WARDC Acting Executive Director, Dr Olufemi Kayode, said the gathering was an opportunity to spotlight lives lost while pushing for stronger action.
According to her, it was an opportunity to focus on the lives that had been denied a future and to amplify the call for stronger policies to prevent maternal deaths.
Kayode described the event as more than a gathering, but a moment of reflection and renewed commitment.
“We remember women and girls who lost their lives to preventable complications.
“Each death is more than a statistic; they are mothers, daughters and young women whose stories should not have ended this way,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to confront critical questions surrounding maternal mortality, including gaps in access to quality healthcare, information and timely medical intervention.
“Why are women still dying from preventable causes? What must we do differently to ensure childbirth is no longer a matter of life and death?” she asked.
According to her, maternal mortality has far-reaching consequences beyond health, affecting families, communities and national development.
She identified unsafe practices, poor access to reproductive health information, stigma, poverty and systemic barriers as key drivers of the challenge.
“Addressing these challenges requires informed communities, responsive healthcare systems and sustained advocacy,” she said.
The event featured testimonies from families of survivors, victims and advocates, who represented women affected by stigma, lack of access to care and weak support systems.
Participants observed a minute of silence in honour of women who had died from pregnancy-related complications, describing the memorial as a call to action for government and society.
