By Hadiza Yusuf
The Bauchi State House of Assembly has intensified efforts to address unsafe childbirth practices and unregulated blood transfusions with a proposed law aimed at reducing preventable maternal deaths and improving healthcare standards across the state.
Speaker of the Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman, disclosed this on Saturday in Kano during a three-day retreat for lawmakers on the proposed Bill for the Prohibition of Unsafe Childbirth Practices, Management of Pregnancy Complications and Regulation of Blood Transfusions in Bauchi State.
The retreat was organised by the Women’s Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in collaboration with AmplifyChange.
Speaking at the workshop, Suleiman said the proposed legislation seeks to protect women and newborns from unsafe medical practices by promoting access to quality maternal healthcare.
According to him, the bill proposes that childbirth should take place in registered health facilities attended by qualified healthcare professionals, while also seeking to prohibit unsafe delivery practices.
He added that the legislation would make it an offence to obstruct pregnant women from accessing healthcare during emergencies, including instances where family members or community leaders prevent them from seeking medical attention.
“The Unsafe Childbirth Practices, Pregnancy Emergencies and Blood Transfusions Bill, 2026 is a direct response to preventable maternal deaths in Bauchi State,” he said.
Suleiman explained that the bill also seeks to regulate blood transfusions by restricting the practice to licensed health facilities operating under approved medical standards.
According to him, the legislation would empower qualified medical professionals to carry out life-saving interventions during pregnancy emergencies, including cases arising from rape or incest, while providing mandatory counselling and protecting the confidentiality of survivors.
He lamented that many women in the state still patronise unregistered health facilities that lack qualified personnel, essential equipment, proper hygiene and emergency referral systems.
According to the Speaker, such practices, often driven by poverty, ignorance, cultural beliefs and poor access to quality healthcare, contribute to maternal deaths, newborn complications, preventable infections, prolonged labour and permanent disabilities.
He stressed that the proposed law is not intended to punish genuine healthcare providers or discourage community health initiatives but to establish minimum healthcare standards, strengthen regulation and protect lives.
Suleiman urged lawmakers to scrutinise every provision of the bill carefully to ensure it is evidence-based and capable of addressing the state’s maternal health challenges.
He also commended the Women’s Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), led by its Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Prof. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, for supporting legislative reforms through technical assistance, policy engagement and capacity building.
Speaking with journalists after the retreat, the Speaker said the bill, which he sponsored, had passed first and second readings in the Assembly and was currently at the committee stage.
He added that a public hearing on the proposed legislation is expected to be held next week before the committee submits its final report to the House.
Suleiman expressed confidence that Governor Bala Mohammed would assent to the bill once passed, citing the cordial working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Also speaking, WARDC Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Prof. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, described the Bauchi State House of Assembly as one of Nigeria’s most consistent state legislatures in promoting laws that protect women and girls.
She said the proposed legislation reflects the Assembly’s continued commitment to improving maternal health and safeguarding the lives of women across the state.
