As the coalition comprises of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Gender Development Initiative (GENDI), Centre for Community Development Health and Family Enhancement Initiatives, Centre for Reproductive Rights, IPAS Nigeria Health Foundation as well as Amplify Change played host to members of the Ogun State House of Assembly on Post Public Hearing Reviews Meeting on the proposed bill seeking safe termination of pregnancy, the Assembly has stated that the broader issue of improving healthcare services and the well-being of the people remains its primary responsibility.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, made the remarks while rounding off the session with the different health advocate groups at a meeting with Lawmakers and other stakeholders and professionals including the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker held in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The Speaker appreciated the team for their commitment and contributions throughout the consideration of the bill, noting that, "our collective discussions have gone beyond the provisions of the Bill itself and have focused on the broader issue of improving healthcare services and the well-being of our people". 

According to him, "your insights and recommendations have greatly enriched this process.

As we conclude, please be assured that the Ogun State House of Assembly remains committed to providing quality representation and enacting laws that positively impact the lives of our people. 

We will continue to work towards policies and programmes that make life better, more convenient, and more comfortable for all residents of Ogun State". 

Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Wahab Haruna assured that all the memoranda and recommendations from the stakeholders' forum alongside those from the partners like WARDC would be properly collated and considered during clause-by-clause review.

"We will pursue a law that is constitutional, implementable, and compassionate, one that balances public health, human rights, and our shared values as a people.

We will continue to partner with CSOs, professional bodies like NANNM, traditional and religious leaders to ensure ownership at the grassroots.

This Bill is not about promoting any agenda. It is about *preventing avoidable deaths* and *promoting safe motherhood* in Ogun State", Haruna stated.

 The Executive Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, noted that the meeting was meant to dissect the key issues raised by stakeholders, look into areas of consensus and address outstanding issues.

She disclosed that the issue of maternal health care service remained a major global and national concern, as over 20% of maternal death was as a result of unsafe termination of pregnancy.

She said the interface was a journey of collaboration with different advocacy groups and stakeholders in achieving an all encompassing legislation that would reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

In her remarks, the Executive Director, GENDI, Prof. Olubunmi Asimolowo, appreciated the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elemide for the dialogue, and commitment to an inclusive legislative process.

She said that "the Assembly has demonstrated that good governance is strengthened when citizens and stakeholders are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to law-making.

I also sincerely appreciate the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Honourable Wahab Haruna, the sponsor of the Bill, Honourable Lukman Atobatele, and all Honourable Members of the Assembly for their commitment and diligence throughout this process".

She also lauded the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, who she noted had demonstrated unwavering support and evidence-based leadership in strengthening maternal and reproductive healthcare in the State. 

"We also recognize and appreciate the Permanent Secretary, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, and the entire Ministry of Health for their invaluable technical guidance and collaboration.

I wish to specially acknowledge the outstanding leadership of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), led by Prof. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, for convening and supporting this review meeting. 

Your dedication, technical expertise, and steadfast commitment have been instrumental in bringing us to this critical stage of the legislative process".

She explained that the journey of the Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill had been deliberate and collaborative, through sustained advocacy, stakeholder engagement, technical consultations and constructive dialogue, the Bill had successfully progressed through the First and Second Readings in the State House of Assembly.

She emphasized that the discussions at the Public Hearing reaffirmed that unsafe abortion remained an important public health concern and that protecting the lives and health of women and girls required thoughtful, evidence-based legislation. 

"Today's meeting is therefore another significant milestone. It demonstrates that law-making is not merely about passing legislation; it is about listening, building consensus, and ensuring that every provision is clear, practical, and capable of improving the lives of our people.

As we begin this technical review, I encourage us to approach our deliberations with open minds, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. 

Let us focus on producing a Bill that is legally sound, medically appropriate, socially responsive, and capable of reducing preventable maternal deaths, while strengthening access to quality reproductive healthcare within the framework of the law.

I am confident that with the expertise assembled in this room and the spirit of collaboration that has characterized this process, we will complete this review successfully and move one step closer to the passage of this landmark legislation", she remarked