The Abia State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill aimed at providing comprehensive free pre-natal and post-natal care services for all legally married pregnant women across the state.
Sponsored by Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jr., representing Obingwa West constituency, the proposed legislation seeks to address the numerous challenges women face during pregnancy and childbirth in Abia State.
Benefits of the Proposed Legislation
When enacted, the law would entitle eligible women to free medication, nutritional support, and professional medical supervision for both mother and baby throughout pregnancy and after childbirth at accredited healthcare facilities across the state.
During the presentation of the bill, Hon. Erondu explained that it was inspired by a high-level UNICEF meeting held in Enugu, which was attended by representatives from eight states including Abia. Participants at the meeting were mandated to domesticate maternal and child healthcare improvement laws in their respective states.
Addressing Maternal Health Challenges
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the high rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria, emphasizing that inadequate medical care and poor nutrition have continued to threaten or claim the lives of many pregnant women and their newborns in Abia State and Nigeria at large.
He lamented that pregnant women in Nigeria and across Africa face dire situations compared to their counterparts in developed countries where proper systems are in place to protect maternal health.
The bill also aims to support exclusive breastfeeding, which Hon. Erondu highlighted as a crucial aspect of infant health and development.
This legislative initiative represents a significant step toward improving maternal and child health outcomes in Abia State, potentially saving numerous lives and ensuring healthier futures for mothers and their children.
