The African Women Lawyers Forum has attributed the rising cases of teenage pregnancy and maternal mortality in rural communities to weak enforcement of child protection laws.
Speaking in an interview, a former Rivers State Coordinator of the forum, Hilda Desmond, said the failure to effectively implement existing child protection frameworks has left many young girls vulnerable to abuse, early marriage, and unintended pregnancies.
Desmond noted that poor oversight and lack of accountability in rural areas have worsened the situation, leading to increased health risks for teenage mothers and higher maternal mortality rates.
She called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to address the growing concern, stressing that stronger enforcement mechanisms and community sensitisation are critical to reversing the trend.
Desmond also urged the government to adequately fund and closely monitor health interventions in rural communities across Rivers State to ensure that young girls and expectant mothers have access to quality healthcare services.
