PLAN Foundation Report On Engagement With The Oyo State House Of Assembly On The Draft Bill For The Prevention Of Unplanned Pregnancy And Unsafe Abortion Under The Accelerating Community Commitment Towards Expanding Sexual And Reproductive Health Services For Women And Girls In Oyo State (ACCESS Project), Funded By AmplifyChange.
Held On 9th April 2025
INTRODUCTION
PLAN Foundation is pleased to report on the significant progress achieved during our advocacy engagements with the Oyo State House of Assembly concerning the draft Oyo State Prevention of Unplanned Pregnancy and Prevention of Unsafe Abortion Bill. The meetings marked an important milestone in the journey towards legislative support and eventual passage of the proposed bill.
ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
- Initial Meeting with Key Committee Chairmen
The first set of engagements involved a meeting with the Chairman, House Committee on Health and the Chairman, House Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary Education). During the session, PLAN Foundation presented a comprehensive overview of the AmplifyChange-funded ACCESS Project being implemented in Oyo State. The following key points were covered:
Project Rationale: Explanation of the motivation behind the project, emphasizing the need for prevention of unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions among young people.
Achievements to Date: Success stories, including a case study involving a young secondary school student who was at risk of undergoing an unsafe abortion. Through the intervention of the iChoose peer educators and the support of a youth-friendly healthcare facility, the girl was provided with ante-natal care. Plans have been made for her re-absorption into school to complete her education post-delivery.
The contents of the draft bill were explained in detail, and PLAN Foundation appealed for its adoption and sponsorship as a private member bill by the Honorable Chairmen.
Outcome of the Meeting
Both Chairmen expressed strong support for the initiative and they requested for copies of the draft bill in order to append their names as co-sponsors.
- Follow-Up Meeting with Additional Committee Representatives
A separate meeting was subsequently held with the Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development and Chairman, House Committee on Public Petition and Justice. This meeting took place in the office of the Chairman, House Committee on Security, due to the unavailability of the participants during the earlier session.
As with the earlier meeting, PLAN Foundation shared the goals and impact of the ACCESS Project, The rationale and detailed contents of the draft bill and the importance of legislative backing for the bill’s adoption and passage.
Outcome of the Meeting
Both the Chairperson and Chairman consented to be co-sponsors of the bill. They welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the need for swift legislative action.
Next Steps
PLAN Foundation has delivered printed copies of the draft bill to all involved Committee Chairpersons and a follow-up meeting is scheduled with the Clerk of the House, who was unavoidably absent during the engagements. These engagements serve as a precursor to the planned Public Hearing on the bill.
Conclusion
The enthusiastic reception and commitment shown by the leadership of the Oyo State House of Assembly towards the draft Prevention of Unplanned Pregnancy and Prevention of Unsafe Abortion Bill represent a major step forward. The adoption of the bill as a private member bill by key committee chairpersons is a significant boost for its favorable acceptance and expedited passage.
PLAN Foundation remains committed to supporting the legislative process and ensuring that the rights and health of young people in Oyo State are protected and promoted. Our profound appreciation goes once again to AmplifyChange for their continued support.
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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Ifedayo Osemwegie,
Advocacy, Strategic Communication and Media Officer,
PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation (PLAN Foundation)
+2348038320421
ifedayo@planfoundation.org.ng
