Delta State Govt Threatens To Prosecute Doctors Providing Family Planning To Minors

The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to medical personnel who provide family planning for underage girls to desist from such acts or face the wrath of the law.

The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General (AG), Ohwovoriole Ekemejero SAN, gave the warning at the World Contraception Day held on Thursday in Asaba, the State capital.

Ohwovoriole, represented by the Director of Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Unit, Mrs Patricia Akanagwuna, said providing minor access to these facilities without the consent of the girl child’s parents or guardian is illegal in the eye of the law, and those involved must be punished accordingly.

“In the eye of the law, any medical doctor that provides family planning for minors will face prosecution. The law did not permit such, the doctor must seek the consent of the parents or guardians,” he stated.

He however advised the medical personnel that, as principles, “allow individual women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, free from coercion or judgment, in addition to Protecting their right to confidentiality when seeking contraceptive services.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said the family planning town hall meeting which was held today’s World Contraceptive Day was to sensitise every individual’s right to make choices about themselves.

He urged women to adopt family planning for their benefit

Also, the Executive Director, State Primary Health Development Agency, Dr Paul U. called on stakeholders, including local government chairmen, to fund to support family planning.