Leaders of Islamic, Christian and traditional faith communities in Oyo and Ogun states have jointly declared unsafe abortion a “grave moral and public health crisis,” pledging to support access to lawful, safe and confidential maternal healthcare to curb preventable deaths and injuries.
In a communiqué issued under the Interfaith Action for Health Care initiative of the REACH-OUT with Health Awareness Programme, the clerics said the rising toll of maternal mortality linked to unsafe procedures demands compassionate, evidence-based responses that prioritise women’s dignity, health and survival.
The statement, signed by members of the Interfaith Steering Committee, acknowledged the sanctity of life across faith traditions while recognising the “complex realities” faced by women and families.
The leaders vowed to promote humane approaches grounded in care rather than condemnation and to foster open dialogue that reduces stigma.
“We affirm that our highest moral duty is to save the life and health of pregnant women,” the communiqué said, committing to support access to “all legal, safe and confidential healthcare services necessary to prevent maternal death,” including terminations permitted under Nigerian law and applicable state guidelines.
The leaders also pledged to use their pulpits and platforms to combat misinformation that drives women to unsafe providers and to replace judgment with compassion for women facing unplanned pregnancies or life-threatening complications.
Calling for shared responsibility, the group urged male partners, parents and community elders to protect women by ensuring timely access to dignified care, and appealed to healthcare providers to implement approved state guidelines in good faith.
The communiqué was signed by representatives of Islamic, Christian and traditional institutions, including Balogun Mayowa Fatimot, Akpata Gloria Ogechukwu, Oku Collins Ifeanyi, Adeyemo Hassan Kehinde, Owolabi Selimot Motunrayo, Suleiman Kamorudeen Shola, Ogunderu Adeniran, Balogun Oluwakemi O., Richard Godfrey, Mike Asuquo, Abubakar Jamiu Babatunde, Moronfoye Oluwaseun Adewale, Jude Onumabor, Ayanniyi Temidayo, Rabiu Kudirat Yeni, Muhammed Kumbi Rashidat, Oyefesobi Oluwakemi O., Oladipupo Oyinkansola O., Ogunbiyi Idiat Yinka and Atolagbe Remi E.
They stressed that the pursuit of health aligns with the core teachings of Christianity, Islam and traditional belief systems, adding that preserving life and alleviating suffering must guide public conversations and policy implementation across the two states.
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