By John Moses
A leading Nigerian health official has dismissed widespread myths linking contraceptive pills to cervical cancer, infertility, and infidelity, urging the public to rely on scientific evidence rather than misinformation.
Mrs Roseline Akinlabi, the Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Desk Officer at the Osun State Primary Healthcare Board, made the comments during a virtual event hosted by the State Public Health Media Team in collaboration with The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a non-governmental organisation.
Speaking on the topic, “The Impacts of Family Planning Myths and Misconceptions on Spacing, Unplanned Pregnancy and Unsafe Abortion”, Akinlabi — a certified family planning trainer and registered public health nurse — addressed several long-standing concerns about contraceptive use.
“There is no scientific basis for claims that contraceptive pills cause cervical cancer, permanent infertility, or promote unfaithfulness among women,” she said. “On the contrary, contraceptives are a critical tool in improving women’s health, enabling effective family planning, and reducing maternal and infant mortality.”
She highlighted that misinformation continues to hinder uptake of family planning methods, especially among adolescents, leading to a spike in unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
“These misconceptions are a major public health challenge,” Akinlabi added. “They prevent individuals from accessing essential care, and thereby increase health risks.”
She called for a concerted effort by government, civil society, and media stakeholders to raise awareness, promote factual education, and create safer spaces for women and girls to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
“Family planning gives individuals the right to determine the number, timing, and spacing of their children — a key step toward better health outcomes for both mothers and children,” she concluded.
