Following a bill proposed by the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Felicia Bassey, the House proposed free medical and compulsory health care for rape victims in the State.
Talking about the bill, she said that its passage will provide the medical care victims need and will validate their rape case. She further said it will give survivors the impetus to speak up and report the cases to the police.
Legislators spoke in favour of the bill saying that access to medical care will help curb false accusation and verify the truth. They are also of the opinion that it will hasten justice for victims of rape.
Hence, the bill was committed to the joint committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare and Health for consideration by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey and they expect a report within a month.
