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Citing the potential health implications, maternal health experts have said it is not appropriate for both junior and senior secondary school students to be taught abortion-related issues to avoid exposing them to risky behaviour.
The gynaecologists emphasised that teaching adolescents topics on abortion procedures could hurt their reproductive health by trying to experiment with what they were taught.
The physicians said education on reproductive health in secondary schools should focus on essential aspects of personal hygiene, puberty, and menstrual health and not abortion.
Recall that the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools and the Parents Teachers Association condemned a science textbook used in some junior secondary schools for including controversial content on abortion.
The controversy started with a viral post on X after user Alex Onyia shared excerpts from the Classic Basic Science and Technology for Junior Secondary School Three textbook.
The material explains the procedures and reasons for abortion and shows a detailed explanation of surgical abortion methods, including dilation and curettage, as well as dilation and evacuation.
While the National President of the Association for Formidable Educational Development, Emmanuel Orji, described it as “damaging information” for young students, other Nigerians said students should not be taught how to have an abortion.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, in different interviews on the development, the gynaecologists emphasised the importance of teaching menstrual hygiene, personal hygiene, and puberty to secondary school students as they progress to senior classes.
They argued that these foundational topics are crucial for adolescents’ development and should be introduced without the complexities of sensitive subjects like abortion, particularly for students as young as 12.
A Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Prof. George Eleje, said it was inappropriate to teach junior secondary school students about abortion.
Eleje stated that topics on abortion or abortion procedures have no business with school reproductive health curricula.
The don stressed that students should be educated about basic anatomy, menstrual hygiene, personal hygiene, and puberty as they progress to senior classes, which are foundational knowledge crucial for their development, without introducing sensitive topics to them as early as 12 years.
“Instead, reproductive health education should focus on personal hygiene, puberty, body awareness, menstrual health, and the importance of infection prevention and breast examination. It is too early for them to learn, even when they are not useful to them. It is a procedure that a doctor would perform, and so why teach children such?” he said.
On the appropriate time for discussing abortion with the students, Eleje argued that such procedures should not be taught or discussed in the schools unless the students attain the age at which they will be able to take responsibility for their actions.
He said, “Lately, we heard the news that the students will not be able to gain admission in the country unless they attain age 18. So, I would say that until these children get to the point of self-realisation and age of responsibility, they shouldn’t be taught this.
“Rather, I would advise that they be taught the consequences of premarital sex and why they should not indulge in it. Let them know why they shouldn’t be part of such, especially when they are not medical professionals. These are the procedures that a physician would perform.
“For me, this information is way too big for them in this state. Teaching minors how to maintain their health and well-being is far more beneficial than discussing topics that could encourage harmful behaviours.”
On how to prevent unsafe abortion, he said, “Teaching children that premarital sex is meant for adults and not students or children, hence they should avoid them. They should take pride in their virginity and price it preciously. Children should not be taught abortion, as many have died due to unsafe abortion.”
“Morally, this is a misguided approach, especially in our cultural context. While some countries may handle such topics differently, we must prioritise the safety and development of our youth.”
However, with many lives lost daily to unsafe abortions, experts said there was a need for stakeholders in society, especially traditional rulers and religious leaders to collaborate and save young girls from unnecessary death.
The Chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning, Dr Ejike Orji, said that while Nigeria had seen a 40 percent reduction in maternal mortality over the past eight years, the country still holds the highest maternal mortality rate globally.
Orji expressed concern that 70 percent of those affected were girls under the age of 15, adding that there was a need for family planning awareness among Nigerians.
