Experts advocate ban on home childbirth over rising maternal mortality
Health Experts advocate ban on home childbirth over rising maternal mortality Published on March 28, 2026 By Timi Owolabi googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); Stakeholders in Bauchi State’s health sector have expressed serious concern over the high rate of maternal mortality in the state, urging the House of Assembly to fast-track legislation banning home childbirth. Their appeal came during a one-day training organized by the Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aimed at improving reporting on maternal and newborn health and reducing maternal deaths in the state. DAILY POST reports that about 50 journalists participated in the training, learning how to cover issues affecting mothers and newborns. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); Speaking at the event, a health expert with UNICEF, Seyi Olosunde said the training was part of broader interventions to raise awareness and improve health outcomes for women and children. He expressed concern over the prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Bauchi, noting that one in four underage girls becomes pregnant early. Olosunde added that many teenagers feel ashamed of their pregnancies, stating that a significant number of newborns die within their first 28 days due to preventable causes linked to unsafe delivery practices. He stressed the urgent need for interventions, including legislation, to reverse these trends. Similarly, UNICEF Social Behaviour Change expert, George Eki noted that banning home births could help address cultural norms and harmful practices associated with childbirth. In his remarks, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Bauchi State Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, commended UNICEF for its support, saying that regular training helps journalists improve reporting on health issues affecting women and children. He added that a seven-month committee will guide journalists in producing detailed reports on maternal and newborn health. Also speaking, Amina Balali of the State Primary Health Care Development Board highlighted the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), a government program that has recorded progress in 11 local government areas. She said the initiative has improved emergency transport for pregnant women, particularly in rural communities, with motorcycle riders hired to transport women to health facilities. Health workers have also been trained, essential medicines supplied, and free delivery kits provided to pregnant women. Balali called for more awareness campaigns to encourage women to give birth in health facilities under the care of trained professionals, adding that safe delivery is key to reducing maternal and newborn deaths in Bauchi State. Don't Miss Adamawa launches anti-Polio campaign targeting 1.2m children You may like Maternal mortality: Experts warn Ogun residents against patronising quacks Maternal mortality: Nigerian government approves $1bn facility to support all 36 states Maternal deaths in northern Nigeria remain critically high – WHO Only 30% of Kano women deliver in hospitals – Health Commissioner Maternal mortality: Osun unveils policy document on safe termination of pregnancy Niger govt identifies five LGs with worst level of maternal mortality