Why Correcting False Narratives On Abortion Matters: Inside LIFE’S Capacity-Building Workshop For Health Workers

P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the concern driving the Leadership Initiative for Youth Empowerment (LIFE), a Lagos-based nonprofit working to improve reproductive health outcomes.

 In November, 2025, LIFE hosted a three-day capacity-building workshop for health workers across Lagos State, aimed at addressing false narratives about abortion and strengthening providers’ ability to offer compassionate, evidence-based care.

Rather than fueling controversy, the workshop focused on something most Nigerians agree on ‘no woman should die because she didn’t get the right medical help in time’.

Creating Space for Honest, Practical Conversations

Held at Sunfit Hotel and Suites in Amuwo Odofin, the workshop brought together nurses, midwives, doctors, and other frontline health workers from both public and private facilities. The goal was simple but powerful: equip providers with the knowledge and communication skills needed to counter misinformation, reduce stigma, and ensure women receive safe, timely care, especially in emergencies.

According to LIFE, false narratives about abortion, such as exaggerated risks, moral judgments, or misconceptions about the law, play a major role in pushing women toward unsafe options. Many people don’t know what the law actually says. Others fear being judged or mistreated by healthcare workers. And some simply don’t trust that they will be treated with dignity if they seek help.

The workshop set out to change that.

Understanding the Realities of Unsafe Abortion

The sessions were led by Dr. Adelakun M. Bimbo, a medical consultant and public health physician with the Lagos State Health Service. He explained that unsafe abortion remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, contributing to an estimated 13–20% of maternal deaths. These are not abstract numbers, they represent mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives whose lives could have been saved with proper care.

Dr. Adelakun emphasized that health workers play a crucial role in correcting misconceptions. Many Nigerians believe, for example, that abortion always leads to infertility or that only “immoral” women seek it. These myths, he explained, are not only untrue, they are dangerous. They fuel stigma, discourage women from seeking help, and ultimately increase the number of unsafe procedures.

He also highlighted the legal context. While abortion is restricted in Nigeria, Section 297 of the Criminal Code permits it when necessary to save a woman’s life. Yet many people, including some health workers, are unaware of this provision. The lack of clarity leads to hesitation, delays, and confusion in emergency situations where every minute counts.

The Heart of the Training: Empathy, Safety, and Clear Communication

A major theme throughout the workshop was the importance of empathy. Health workers were encouraged to approach every patient, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, with compassion and respect. This is not about promoting abortion; it is about ensuring that when a woman is in danger, she receives the care she needs without fear or shame.

Participants discussed key components of postabortion care, including:

Emergency treatment for complications

Infection management

Emotional and physical counseling

Contraception and family planning

Confidentiality and patient rights

Dr. Adelakun reminded attendees that their first responsibility is to protect the patient’s life. That means maintaining confidentiality, offering nonjudgmental support, and understanding the legal and ethical frameworks guiding care.

Why This Matters for the Movable Middle

For many Nigerians who hold moderate or mixed views on abortion, the issue often comes down to values: protecting life, supporting families, and ensuring people receive fair treatment. The workshop echoed these values by focusing on safety, compassion, and responsible healthcare, not politics.

Participants shared stories from their own facilities, revealing how stigma and misinformation often prevent women from seeking help early. Some expressed personal reservations about abortion but agreed that no woman should be denied lifesaving care. Others emphasized the importance of counseling, family planning, and community education to prevent unwanted pregnancies in the first place.

This diversity of perspectives reflects the broader Nigerian public, thoughtful, cautious, and deeply concerned about women’s health and wellbeing.

Moving Forward: Building a More Informed and Compassionate Society

The workshop concluded with a call for continued engagement. Health workers were encouraged to use their platforms to educate communities, correct false narratives, and advocate for clearer policies that protect women’s lives. While global trends show increasing recognition of reproductive rights, Nigeria still faces significant challenges. Addressing stigma, improving medical training, and strengthening public awareness are essential steps toward reducing maternal mortality.

Ultimately, the message was clear: you don’t have to support abortion to support saving women’s lives. By promoting accurate information, empathy, and responsible care, health workers, and communities, can help ensure that no woman dies from preventable causes.