Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A medical expert, Dr. Ogbonna Okoh has warned against the patronising of patent medicine (chemist) shops, herbal drugs sellers and unqualified individuals for abortion drugs.
He stressed that drugs from such persons could affect the hormones responsible for the female reproductive system.
Okoh gave the advice during a 10-day training program for Female Sex Workers (FSWs) on post abortion care, safety and security in Ebonyi State organised by Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiative (EHWEI).
He further advised them to seek medical attention from qualified professionals for abortion and post-abortion care.
“Stop going to chemist shops, herbal drugs sellers and unqualified individuals to get drugs for abortion. Such drugs can affect the hormones responsible for female reproductive system,” he stressed.
The medical consultant also warned sex workers against using chemical/harsh soaps to wash their private parts after sex, but to use clean water.
Describing abortion as termination of unwanted pregnancy, which could come naturally as miscarriage or being induced medically, Okoh insisted that abortion should be done by professional personnel to avert consequences which he said could be physical, emotional or psychological.
“Physical consequences include bleeding and infection, damage to reproductive organs (abortion can cause damage to the cervix, and uterus which can lead to infertility in future, because these organs are delicate), pregnancy complications, among others.
“The emotional consequences include guilt and shame (some may feel guilty or regret after abortion), anxiety and depression, relationship problems and other consequences.
“Long term consequences can lead to death or mental health concerns. So, abortion should be done by professional personnel. Post Abortion Care is the medical and emotional support provided after an abortion,” he explained.
Delivering a paper on Safety and Security Measures, including physical, emotional, and environmental safety, Training Facilitator, Israel Orji advised FSWs to have two bank accounts, use passwords on their phones, and inform someone about their whereabouts.
He said, “Safety is the protection of people, equipment, and the environment from harm.
“It’s advisable to have two bank accounts, one for savings and another one for emergency. There should be no ATM card and transfer codes for the account made for savings purposes, while the one for emergency should be made operational.
“While going out, you should always tell someone the details of where you are going to, in case of uncertainty. Meanwhile, use passwords (alphabets, numbers and special characters) on your phones.”
Executive Director, EHWEI, Igwe Precious Nneka, urged female sex workers to ensure someone was aware of their whereabouts while moving out with any man to avert any evil intention.
“Each time you go out with any man, let there be someone who is aware of your whereabouts as this will avert any evil intention being harboured by the man,” she added.
