Nigerian Catholic Priest, Fr. Emmanuel Ehioma, Voices Disappointment Over Mother of Five’s Pregnancy Just One Year After He Paid Her Hospital Bills

 

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Father Emmanuel Ehioma, has recently shared a heartfelt expression of disappointment after discovering that a woman he had helped just a year ago is now pregnant again. The woman, a mother of five children, had her hospital bills paid by the priest after the birth of her last child, but to his surprise, she was visibly pregnant again only a year later.

In a candid Facebook post on Tuesday, Fr. Emmanuel recounted the experience:

“Last year January there was a woman I helped to pay her bills after child delivery – I saw her 3 days ago heavily pregnant. I'm waiting,” he wrote, revealing his feelings of frustration and concern over the situation.

The priest’s post sparked questions from his followers, with one asking if he had expected the woman not to have more children so soon. In response, Fr. Emmanuel gave a deeper explanation of his thoughts, focusing on a broader social issue that he believes is at play. He pointed out that some people tend to depend heavily on the generosity and hard work of others to “clean up their mess,” rather than taking personal responsibility for their decisions.

He stated:

"That's what we are talking about here. Relying on others' sweat to ALWAYS clean up your mess. Just at look this mentality, just look at. A lady who gave birth to her 5th child last year January is already pregnant again this year and her husband is a security guard somewhere with a very low salary."

The priest’s words highlight the reality faced by many families struggling with financial hardship, and the challenge of managing resources carefully. He expresses concern that instead of receiving guidance to slow down or space out childbirth given the limited financial means, some are encouraged to continue having children, assuming that “helpers” or others will always step in to provide support.

He added:

"Instead of you to advise for such a person to take it easy since the resources is no longer around but you are there encouraging her to keep giving birth since ‘helpers ná water’. It is well o."

Through this message, Fr. Emmanuel shines a light on the difficult balance between generosity and personal responsibility. He reminds readers that while it is important to help others in need, it is equally important to encourage wise decisions that prevent people from falling into a cycle of dependence, especially when they are already facing financial challenges.

This story serves as a reflection on societal attitudes toward family planning and financial responsibility, and calls for a more thoughtful approach when supporting those in difficult circumstances.