In a disturbing and growing trend, some young women are deliberately getting pregnant only to later terminate the pregnancy in a bid to achieve a more voluptuous body.
This practice, which has reportedly gained traction in certain parts of Nigeria, involves women allowing their bodies to develop the curves associated with pregnancy before undergoing abortions after a few months.
Medical professionals and community members are alarmed at this dangerous approach to body image, which has led to tragic outcomes, including severe health complications and even death.
Reports from Delta State reveal that this trend has been quietly occurring for over a decade.
Women, pressured by societal standards of beauty and the desire for fuller bodies, see pregnancy as a way to gain weight in areas such as the hips and breasts.
Once they achieve the desired physique, they seek unsafe abortions, often performed by unqualified practitioners, putting their lives at grave risk.
A retired nurse in the region, known locally as "Iron Lady," shared her insights, stating that the practice dates back to at least 2006.
She recounted numerous cases where young girls intentionally became pregnant to alter their appearance.
Tragically, some of these girls suffered fatal complications due to unsafe abortions, as seen in the case of a young woman named Prisca, who died from excessive bleeding after her abortion.
Medical experts warn that the procedure not only puts these women at risk of losing their lives but can also result in long-term health issues.
Despite this, the practice continues to spread, fueled by peer pressure and the relentless pursuit of an idealized body image.
The obsession with achieving a "perfect" figure has led some to take even more extreme measures, such as multiple abortions, in a dangerous attempt to maintain their new curves.
This disturbing trend has been highlighted on social media platforms, where some young women openly admit to undergoing the process, further normalizing the practice among their peers.
While medical professionals continue to warn against the dangers of this weight-gain method, the societal pressures that push young women to these lengths remain a challenge to address.
The trend highlights the need for urgent intervention, education, and support for women to embrace their natural bodies and resist harmful beauty standards.