Bauchi Assembly Moves to Criminalise Unsafe Childbirth, Unregulated Transfusions Amid Rising Deaths
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State House of Assembly has begun deliberations on a critical bill aimed at curbing the alarming rate of maternal and perinatal deaths, as lawmakers considered its second reading during plenary.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, representing Ningi Constituency, seeks to prohibit unsafe childbirth practices and unregulated blood transfusions identified as major contributors to preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.
Leading debate on the bill, the Speaker cited findings from the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Review (MPDSR) conducted by the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, which revealed that about 70 per cent of births in the state occur at home without skilled medical supervision.
He further disclosed that between July and December 2022, no fewer than 872 maternal and neonatal deaths were recorded across 123 health facilities, including 56 maternal and 816 neonatal fatalities.
Suleiman expressed concern over worsening mortality rates in facilities such as Toro General Hospital and urban maternity centres, stressing that the bill aims to outlaw unregistered home deliveries and enforce strict penalties against offenders.
He also decried the prevalence of unsafe blood transfusions conducted in unlicensed facilities and private homes, warning that such practices expose patients to infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
The bill, he said, would restrict transfusions to registered health centres, empower authorities to shut down illegal clinics, and prosecute violators.
Contributors to the debate, including Hon. Saleh Hodi Jibir and Hon. Nasiru Ahmed Ala, described the bill as timely, attributing the persistence of harmful practices to poverty and ignorance.
Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jamilu Barade, expressed optimism that the legislation would significantly reduce maternal and infant deaths.
The Assembly said the bill, if passed, would strengthen healthcare regulation, promote safe childbirth and improve public health outcomes across Bauchi State.
