Nigeria has about 2.5 million cases of unintended pregnancy annually that has led to the death of many women, thus declared yesterday in Abuja by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, UNFPA.
UNFPA representative in Nigeria, Ms Ulla Elizabeth Mueller disclosed these at the launching of the 2022 state of the world population report with the theme: “Seeing the Unseen: the case for action in the neglected crisis of unintended pregnancy.”
Ms Mueller put the number of unintended pregnancies that occur every year at 331,000 per day, and on average, represents a global failure to uphold a basic human right.
UNFPA boss who was represented by the Deputy Representative UNFPA, Erika Goldson said that the aim of the report is not to scare Nigeria, but to bring all the stakeholders and global attention to explore challenges and opportunities.
She said, globally, nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended. It started with 121 million each year throughout the world.
“This is an unseen crisis unfolding right before our eyes.
“Nigeria cards about 2.5 million cases of unintended pregnancy annually. And in Nigeria, 90% of married women and 48% of unmarried women seek to postpone or delay childbearing. Wanting to pregnant takes place in the bodies of people who did not affirmatively choose pregnancy or motherhood”.
She said the real effect caused by unintended pregnancy on quality of life is complex.
UNPFA Boss, who blamed the persistence of unintended pregnancy on gender inequality, said that “the lack of education is also one of the causes.
“The real damage to quality of life is incalculable and complex.
“Globally, unintended pregnancies are higher in countries with high levels of gender inequality circumstances.”
In her remark, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said unplanned pregnancy is capable of causing rejection and stigmatisation for women and girls.
“Rejection and stigmatisation from the society can lead to depression”, she said, and added that “poor nutritional intake for the mother and child may be linked to greater risk of developmental delays for children.”
The Minister, therefore, reiterated the need for a concerted effort to address the challenge, saying victims of unwanted pregnancies need support.
She added that “victims of unwanted pregnancies do not need our pity, but our support in rehabilitating and reintegrating them into the society.”
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the National Population Commission, NPC, Honourable Nasir Isa Kwarra, had identified Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights, (SRHRS) as key to addressing unintended pregnancy.
Kwarra expressed dissatisfaction over the inability of women and girls to make choices over their sexual lives.
He said “almost a quarter of all women across the globe are unable to say no to sex and equally unable to make decisions about their own healthcare.
“Most often, women and girls find themselves in situations that inhibit them from exercising their fundamental rights and having opportunities to make decisions on issues that affect their reproductive
lives.”
He identified unintended pregnancy, particularly among teenagers, as a major health concern in every nation.
He said, “unintended pregnancy, particularly among teenagers or adolescent girls, is a major health concern, as it is associated with high morbidity and mortality of both mother and child, including outcomes of malnutrition.”
