Big Brother Naija ‘Level-Up’ winner, Josephine Otabor, better known as Phyna, has retracted her earlier statement in which she claimed that there is no woman who hasn’t had an abortion.
She made this controversial statement during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo a few months ago.
This statement didn’t sit well with many social media users, especially women, who criticized her for generalizing that every woman has terminated a pregnancy.
However, she initially maintained her stance, even suggesting that women who use contraceptives are no different from those who have had abortions, and that only virgins are innocent.
These statements led to further backlash on social media, prompting her to issue an official statement to address the situation on Friday, November 3.
In the statement, she clarified that she was misunderstood and didn’t intend to generalize. She also emphasized that she would never encourage abortion and is currently working with NGOs to raise awareness about the topic.
It’s worth noting that during her time in the BBNaija house, Phyna admitted to terminating two pregnancies at the ages of 19 and 24.
Her statement reads,
“Good day to all and sundry,
I am Josephina Otabor pka Phyna and I write this statement to address the issues concerning an interview I did months ago where I talked about a very sensitive topic and I inaccurately suggested
“all” women have engaged in it.Firstly, I will like to address the fact that in as much as I was misunderstood, I didn’t mean to project it on every female gender. I will never encourage abortion especially not in this part of the world, where it can pose a great threat to the life of the person with the illegal and unhealthy procedures that surround it. I admit that I was being too expressive in the heat of the interview hence my assertions.
I will reiterate that abortion is not a thing I stand for and I should not be seen in that light and I admit to all mistakes made.
In addition, l’m currently working with gender-based organisations and NGOs to provide sensitization, education about abortion and other societal issues prone to the girl child.
I want to use this medium to thank my fans, friends and family for their constant love and support, I do not intend to let you down.
Thank you,
Phyna”
See below,
