Underage family planning dangerous – Expert

Dr Gbolahan Oyebambi of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital has said family planning for underage is dangerous for the health and future of the children. DR. Oyebambi, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ilorin on Wednesday, 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 doing family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancy.


He added that family planning was the safest way to prevent unwanted pregnancies among married couples.
The doctor said some parents were aware of their children’s wayward life and aided them by seeking family planning options for them.

“When a girl of 17-year-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.

Oyebambi called on government to reach out to the public through the media, schools, religious houses and hospitals to discourage such practices in the society.

“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.


NAN