Bauchi Assembly Speaker Introduces Bill to Prohibit Unsafe Childbirth Practices, Unregulated Blood Transfusions

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, has introduced a bill aimed at addressing the alarming rate of maternal and perinatal deaths in the state.

The bill, which received unanimous support from lawmakers, seeks to prohibit unsafe childbirth practices and unregulated blood transfusions.

Presenting the bill yesterday, Suleiman revealed that seven out of every ten births in the state occur at home without skilled medical supervision, resulting in 872 maternal and perinatal deaths between July and December 2022.

He cited rising mortality rates in key health facilities, attributing the situation to unregistered home deliveries and unsafe blood transfusion practices.

The proposed legislation would outlaw unregistered home deliveries, impose strict penalties, and prohibit blood transfusions outside registered health facilities.

It would also empower authorities to seal illegal clinics and enforce sanctions against offenders.

Lawmakers contributing to the debate praised the bill, describing it as a timely intervention that would reduce harmful traditional practices associated with childbirth and unsafe transfusions.

The bill is seen as a landmark legislative effort to promote safe childbirth, regulate medical procedures, and reduce preventable deaths in Bauchi State.