ACCELERATING COMMUNITY COMMITMENT TOWARDS EXPANDING SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS IN OYO STATE (ACCESS PROJECT) FUNDED BY AMPLIFYCHANGE

REPORT ON 3-DAY WORKSHOP: REVIEW OF ABORTION LAW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATE POLICY ON PREVENTION OF UNSAFE ABORTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE RESPONSE TEAM

DATE 18TH – 20TH MARCH 2025

VENUE: RAGARAY HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM, OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE

INTRODUCTION

As part of ongoing efforts under the ACCESS Project to expand Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services for women and girls in Oyo State, the PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation (PLAN Foundation), with funding support from AmplifyChange, convened a 3-day workshop. The workshop focused on the review of the abortion law in Oyo State, with the goal of developing a State Policy on the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion and Prevention of Unplanned Pregnancy Bill including establishment of State Response Team on Prevention of Unsafe Abortion. Held from 18th to 20th March 2025, the event brought together key stakeholders from across multiple sectors, including legal practitioners, representatives from the Oyo State House of Assembly, the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, journalists, medical professionals, SRH consultants, and civil society organizations. The event served as a forum for capacity building, policy dialogue, legal review, and strategic planning aimed at addressing the root causes and consequences of unsafe abortion, particularly among adolescents and young women in Oyo State.

PARTICIPANTS AND FACILITATORS

The workshop featured the following three experts who served as facilitators for the workshop:

Dr. Siji Ganiyu, a seasoned Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist, and

Barrister Modupe Awosemusi, a legal practitioner and advocate for reproductive health and prevention of gender-based violence

Mr. Sodiq Olayanju, Clerk of the Committee on Health of the Oyo State House of Assembly

Also in attendance was the Executive Director of PLAN Foundation and the PLAN Staff Team on the project.

Other notable participants included: representatives of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, Desk Officer on Comprehensive Sexuality Education at the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Coordinator of the Oyo State Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Team, Members of the State Legislature, Journalists and Media personnel, medical practitioner, representatives of Religious Organizations and representative of Oyo State Primary Health Care Board

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.

OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP

• To review existing laws guiding reproductive health and abortion-related services in Oyo State.
• To assess the legal and policy gaps contributing to unsafe abortion practices.
• To develop a draft bill on reproductive health and safe abortion for consideration by the State House of Assembly.
• To initiate the establishment of a State Response Team focused on the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and prevention of unsafe abortion.

WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES AND SESSIONS

Day One

The workshop commenced with an opening address and participant introductions, led by the PLAN Foundation Program Manager, who also introduced the facilitators and outlined the agenda.

Key presentations included:

Overview of the Oyo State Draft Law on Reproductive Health and Safe Maternity Services

• “Gaps in Nigeria’s Abortion Laws: A Case for Reform” – facilitated by Barrister Modupe Awosemusi, which analyzed legal limitations contributing to unsafe abortions.
• “Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: A Key Component in Preventing Unsafe Abortion” – by Dr. Siji Ganiyu, highlighting the intersection between health service delivery and legal frameworks.

Day Two

• Sessions continued with in-depth discussions on:
• “Strengthening SRH Services to Prevent Unsafe Abortion”
• “Implementing SRH Interventions in Community Settings”
• “Life Planning Education as a Strategy to Reduce Unsafe Abortion Among Adolescents”
• Notable was the session which was facilitated by Barrister Awosemusi and Mr. Olayanju Sodiq addressing “Strategies for Engaging Policymakers, Law Enforcement, and Judiciary for SRHR Advocacy”

 Day Three

The final day was dedicated to the extensive review of the reproductive health and abortion law draft. Stakeholders worked in breakout groups to finalize provisions and identify key components to be submitted as a formal bill to the Oyo State House of Assembly.