Stop stigmatizing women who have abortions - Prof. Badu Akosa

Former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service and reproductive health expert Professor Badu Akosa has cautioned against the stigmatization of women who opt to abort unwanted pregnancies.

According to the seasoned pathologist, it is the right of women to have control over their reproductive health as well as the appropriate time to have children.

Speaking on Radio XYZ breakfast show, he said although women must be proactive in using the family planning methods available, abortion is also a prerogative of the woman, thus must not be labeled as immoral.

“We are not asking women to use abortions as contraceptive methods; that is frowned upon, however, it is for the woman alone to decide whether or not to have an abortion. No one should try to confuse her, let her, in her own soundness of her mind, decide for herself,” he said.

Prof. Akosa said this would reduce significantly the rate of maternal deaths in the country. He said science had made possible for women to have safe and easy abortions.

“In cases where the social and mental wellbeing of the mother is affected, she can have it. And today, technology is such that it takes just two tablets; then you are squeaky clean. The discretion is with your health practitioner, so it is important to speak to them for the best advice,” he said.

He also encouraged parents to have reproductive health discussions with their children to prepare them for intricacies of sex and its repercussions at early age. He asked religious leaders as well, to intensify the moral education on abstinence and unsafe sexual activities.