Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality by addressing unsafe abortion and strengthening reproductive health systems across the country.

Represented by the Director of the Family Health Department, Robert M. Daniel, the minister made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the International Safe Abortion Conference organised by Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation in commemoration of International Safe Abortion Day. The conference was themed “Reproductive Justice: Crashing Maternal Mortality through Reduced Unsafe Abortions.”

He noted that unsafe abortion remains one of the leading contributors to maternal mortality in Nigeria, citing World Health Organisation (WHO) figures showing that about 456,000 unsafe abortions occur in the country every year.

“Almost every death and injury that results from unsafe abortion could be prevented by effective contraception, the provision of safe abortion, and timely post-abortion care,” he said.

Chairperson of the Ipas Nigeria Board, Dr. Moriam Olaide Jagu, emphasised the importance of sustained training and mentorship for health workers, as well as legal clarity to protect providers.

“Health workers must not only be skilled but also confident and legally protected to provide post-abortion care and safe termination of pregnancy services within the law,” she noted.

In his welcome remarks, Ipas Nigeria Country Director, Lucky Palmer, called on lawmakers to reform Nigeria’s restrictive abortion laws, which he said continue to cost women and girls their lives.