Nigeria: Doctor decries underage family planning

A medical expert Dr. Gbolahan Oyebambi of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) has decried family planning for underage females, saying it poses a serious health challenge to them.

Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State on Thursday, Oyebambi warned against the common practice of underage family planning in the country. According to him, some girls under the age of 18 are fond of taking measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

He added that such measures are safest when carried out in the institution of marriage where it is legalised. The doctor said some parents were aware of their children’s wayward ways and aided them by seeking family planning options for them.

“When a girl of 17 years-old knows she is safe to be sexually active, it will make her misbehave and be wayward without any fear,” he said.

He warned parents not to encourage the use of pills for their underage children, adding that “it was evil and suicidal”.

The doctor also advised medical practitioners to seek proper clarifications before adopting any family planning method for patients.

“It is time for the three tiers of government to take a bold step to save the future of our female children by campaigning against underage family planning,” he said.

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