Participants

Serial Number	Name	Organization Represented	Position
1	Barr. Awosemusi Modupe	Oyo State Ministry of Justice	Chairperson
2	Alh. Dr. Bashir O. Eleshinmeta	Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Oyo State Missioner	Member
3	Rev. Solomon Olayiwola	Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN)	Member
4	Chief Olakunle Orebanjo	Traditional Leader	Member
5	Chief Imam Busari, JP	Oyo State Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (OYSCIA) & Oyo State Jama’atu Nasril Islam (OYSJNI)	Member
6	Mrs. Catherine Atunusha	Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Executive	Member
7	Mrs. Morufat Taiwo	NASFAT	Member
8	Mrs. Abosede Ojo	PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation	Secretary

Preamble

The 2-day meeting was preceded by advanced review of copies of the bill shared with the stakeholders ahead of the meeting slated for 19th–20th November 2025. During the meeting, facilitators conducted capacity-building sessions to ensure all participants—whether previously familiar with the bill or not—had equal understanding.

It was unanimously clarified that the purpose of this gathering was not to promote abortion, but to prevent unplanned/unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion, which is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in the State.

It was clarified that the bill does not promote abortion, but provides a regulatory framework to prevent unplanned pregnancy, unsafe abortion practices, and related challenges. It clearly outlines circumstances where a pregnancy may threaten the woman’s life including in cases of incest, rape and or other severe vulnerabilities.

Key Data Presented

• An estimated 2 million abortions occur annually in Nigeria.
• 6 out of 10 are unsafe.
• Unsafe abortion contributes 13%–30% of maternal deaths.
• Approximately 610,000 unsafe abortions occur each year.
• Hospital data show unsafe abortion accounts for:
  • 17.3% of gynecology admissions
  • 25.1% of maternal deaths (Benue study)

Participants recognized that proper implementation of the bill can safeguard the future of unborn children and significantly reduce the risks currently faced by girls and young women. The bill also highlights the need for emotional, psychological, and social support for girls and women with unplanned pregnancies.

Where pregnancy termination becomes medically necessary to save the mother’s life, the bill ensures such procedures are carried out safely and within regulated, ethical standards.

Role of Religious Leaders

The convening acknowledged the critical and respected roles that religious leaders play in shaping community understanding and guiding moral behaviour. Their voices carry significant influence within Christian, Muslim, and Traditional (Ìṣẹ̀ṣe) communities.

After reviewing the bill in line with scriptural teachings, the religious leaders agreed that its provisions align with principles of compassion, protection of life, justice, and prevention of harm across all three major faith traditions.

Scriptural References Supporting the Resolutions

Biblical Alignment

The Scriptures unmistakably affirm the preservation of human life, thereby establishing that in critical, life-threatening pregnancy situations, safeguarding the mother’s life accords fully with biblical ethics of mercy, justice, and compassionate intervention. Furthermore, the Bible mandates a posture of care, dignity, and supportive engagement toward women confronted with unplanned pregnancies, ensuring that their future, welfare, and God-given destiny are neither jeopardized nor dismissed. Consequently, the overarching biblical principles of mercy, life-preservation, and communal responsibility obligate the Church to protect the mother’s life in medical emergencies and to uphold vulnerable women with unwavering compassion.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” — Proverbs 24:11
• “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” — Matthew 12:7

Quranic Alignment

Islam places strong emphasis on:

• Preservation of life: Islam emphasizes the importance of preserving human life (Quran 5:32)
• Compassion and mercy: Islam teaches compassion and mercy (Quran 4:36), which can guide support for individuals facing reproductive health challenges.
• Health and well-being: Islam values health and well-being (Quran 26:80), emphasizing the importance of seeking medical care and promoting overall health. including seeking medical care.

Resolutions of the Religious Leaders

1. We affirm that the bill does not promote abortion, but aims to prevent unplanned pregnancy and unsafe abortion.
2. We acknowledge the reality of unwanted pregnancies, many of which currently end in unsafe procedures.
3. We recognize that unsafe abortion causes significant morbidity and mortality, negatively affecting the reproductive health and rights of women and girls in Nigeria and globally.
4. We agree that the procedures and circumstances outlined in the bill for accessing abortion services are clearly defined to prevent misuse or abuse.
5. Where a pregnancy must be terminated for medical reasons, it should be done safely and professionally, in ways that do not endanger life.
6. We, the religious leaders present hereby support that the bill be presented to the Oyo State House of Assembly for consideration and passage into law.
7. We are committed to supporting PLAN Foundation in advancing the bill towards passage into law.
8. We resolve to disseminate accurate information within our communities, wards, and congregations to prevent misinformation and misconceptions.
9. We will encourage community members to participate in the public hearing and support PLAN Foundation in advocating for the bill for the benefit of humanity.

Signatories:

Barr. Awosemusi Modupe
Chairperson

Mrs. Abosede Ojo
Secretary

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PLAN Foundation is a member of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), the World Patients Alliance (WPA), the International AIDS Society (IAS), the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), the Stop TB Partnership, the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO), the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD), the Global Health Council (GHC), as well as various other relevant regional and global networks, movements, and professional associations aligned with its vision of a Nigeria where the individual, family, and community are adequately empowered to protect themselves against poverty, underdevelopment, and the spread of diseases.

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