World Contraception Day: Unplanned pregnancies higher among married women – Bauchi official

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The Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, has said unplanned pregnancies are more common among married women than unmarried women in the state.

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Mohammed stated this on Saturday during a media briefing organised to commemorate the 2026 World Contraception Day in Bauchi.

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Mohammed, who was represented by the Director of Primary Health, Dr Safiyan Jibrin, said the observance was an opportunity to sensitise the public to the importance of contraception and family planning.

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He said, “It is important to know the realities and indices of what we are celebrating today. Contraception is very important because it enables couples to plan their pregnancies.

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“From what we see in hospitals, unplanned pregnancies occur more in marital homes than outside marital homes. Some people come to the hospital seeking to terminate such pregnancies.”

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The chairman said pregnancy was a gift from God, urging couples to discuss and plan the timing and spacing of their children.

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He, however, stressed that abortion was not legally permitted in Nigeria except under circumstances where it was medically indicated, particularly when the life of the mother was at risk.

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He warned that abortions carried out in unsafe environments could result in serious complications, including infections and other health problems.

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Mohammed urged residents to access family planning and contraceptive services at primary healthcare centres and secondary health facilities across the state.

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He said, “These services are available at facilities not far from where people live, including primary healthcare centres and secondary facilities, and most of these services are free.

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“Some people are not aware that these services are available, so we need to continue sensitising the public.”

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Also speaking, a representative of the Society for Family Health, Pharmacist Nufin-Allah Alhamdul, said the organisation was partnering with the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board and other stakeholders to promote contraception and family planning.

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He said the partners included the United Nations Population Fund, MSI Nigeria and the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, among others.

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Alhamdul described World Contraception Day as an important occasion for increasing public awareness about the benefits of contraception.

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He said, “Contraception is a process whereby families intentionally decide to space the birth of their children and determine the interval between successive births.

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“It comes with a number of benefits to individuals, families and the wider community. Families are able to plan and manage their resources, while children can benefit from better nutrition and education.

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“For mothers, child spacing allows them to recover between pregnancies and regain their strength before taking on another pregnancy.”

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He added that effective family planning could contribute to improved household wellbeing and help families manage their resources more sustainably.

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