Group urges FG to domesticate international, regional laws on women’s sexual health, rights

IPAS Country Director, Hauwa Shekarau has called on the Federal Government to domesticate all signed international and regional instruments that promote women’s health.

Speaking, yesterday, at a three-day training organised by IPAS to build capacity on women’s sexual reproductive health and rights, she expressed dismay over maternal deaths from unsafe abortions in the country.

Among such signed instruments are laws to address women’s health, review of restrictive abortion laws, legislation against harmful traditional practices, women empowerment and gender equality. If they are brought to bear, participants would minimise ill practices against women in the country.

The event, which held in Gombe State brought together media practitioners from Taraba, Gombe and Jigawa states, among others.

A consultant with IPAS, Doris Ikpeze, said: “Policies are merely an expression of government’s commitment and serves as administrative guidelines only, but do not constitute legally enforceable standards.”

Earlier, the Head of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Dr. Christopher Hassan Laiman, confirmed that about 200 women die daily from abortion complications.

IPAS is the only international organisation solely focused on expanding access to safe abortion and contraceptive care.