|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In Ghana, the right to safe abortion is imperative because of the high
number of unsafe abortions results in maternal morbidity and maternal
mortality. Dr. Mrs. Paulina Appiah, Sunyani Municipal Director of
Health Services, disclosed this at a training workshop on Access to
Safe Abortion and Contraceptive Services for media practitioners in
the Brong-Ahafo region by Global Media Foundation (GlomeF).
She cited that, lack of access to effective contraception, stigma and
silence are a major cause of unsafe abortions in the country. "There
is ignorance among policy makers, legislators, health professionals
and amongst women in the communities themselves, that's why we end up
loosing lives which could have be saved".
Dr. Mrs. Paulina Appiah emphasized that individual's right to make
informed choices on issues related to reproductive health is not only
a matter of empowerment but it also needs to highlights the rights
based approach where rights holders claim their rights from the state.
She called on all stakeholders to address the issue of informed choice
and poor quality of care in family planning services through evidence
building and advocacy with the government.
Miss Esther Munufie, Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Board of
Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), expressed concern
about unsafe abortion, which was increasing among girls with many of
them applying local herbs and other concoctions that could lead to
health complications.
She noted that abortion is legal, and unwanted pregnancies could be
terminated at special units set up at various public and private
health facilities at maximum cost of Ghc 80.00 and at some point free
for poor women.
Madam Mirian R. Iddrisu, Regional Gender Advisor – World vision said
unequal power relations between men and women often limit women's
control over sexual activity and their ability to protect themselves
against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
She said, it is inexcusable that in the 21st century motherhood
remains so dangerous for so many. "It is not only morally wrong but
also hampers economic development and the survival and well-being of
families, communities and nations".
CEO of Global Media Foundation, Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu Jnr said,
the media has a responsibility to help the pubic to reflect to what
extent abortion should be legal in the country and also help the
public discuss what the preservation of the mother's life mean for
Ghanaians.
By: Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku (KOK)
