Bature Hanatu Gyang, a well-known disability rights advocate based in Jos, Plateau State, has announced that she is pregnant. Her public disclosure has attracted wide attention on social media and has sparked conversations about disability, womanhood, and personal choice.
Hanatu, who has consistently spoken against discrimination faced by persons living with disabilities, said her decision to embrace motherhood was a personal and deliberate choice. She described the pregnancy as a blessing and a new chapter in her life.
For years, Bature Hanatu Gyang has been a visible voice for disability inclusion in Plateau State. She has attended and spoken at several public events, especially those organized by the Plateau State Government, where she advocated for equal opportunities and respect for persons living with disabilities.
Despite living with a disability, she has remained active in public engagements and community programs. Her courage and consistency have earned her respect among disability groups and civil society actors in the state.
In a recent social media post, Hanatu revealed that she is expecting her first child. She described herself as a “single mother with disability loading,” a statement that quickly drew mixed reactions from the public.
She said the pregnancy journey has not been easy, as she faced pressure, emotional stress, and fear of public judgment. According to her, some people expected her to terminate the pregnancy.
Hanatu made it clear that abortion was never an option for her. She said she chose to keep the pregnancy despite challenges because she believes every life is valuable.
She explained that during the early months of her pregnancy, she withdrew from public activities to protect her mental and emotional health. She stayed indoors, avoided stress, and limited contact with people who could negatively affect her wellbeing.
Only a few close family members were informed at the time, a decision she said helped her regain strength and confidence. She later decided to share the news publicly as an experience of joy, not shame.
The disability advocate said she initially expected insults and ridicule after making the announcement. However, she was surprised by the overwhelming support, prayers, and positive messages she received from many people.
While she appreciated the encouragement, Hanatu also acknowledged that some negative comments came from people she never expected. She said the experience helped her identify who truly cared about her.
She expressed gratitude to her mother and foster family for their understanding, prayers, and support. Their acceptance, she said, gave her peace and strength during difficult moments.
Hanatu stressed that her pregnancy should not be used to judge or shame women with disabilities. She called for respect for personal choices and urged society to treat women with dignity, regardless of their physical condition or marital status.
She also clarified that her story is not an encouragement for childbirth outside marriage but a testimony of responsibility and courage in the face of reality.
According to her, pregnancy and motherhood are experiences worth celebrating, not condemning. She said she is proud of her journey and ready to defend herself against stigma and discrimination.
As she counts down to motherhood, Bature Hanatu Gyang says she remains focused, hopeful, and grateful. Her story continues to inspire conversations on inclusion, empathy, and the right of persons living with disabilities to make choices about their own lives.
Congratulations for being in line to bring another life. Mine is to share concerns that your choice may affect the innocent child who could not, have been consulted and will definitely be affected. If you were married I won’t raise any concern. I like it when children enjoy a balanced parenting not the single kind. Wishing you the very best.