Ghana: Pregnant women take pills to have fair-skinned babies

Health experts have cautioned women against the growing trend of taking skin-whitening pills during pregnancy to have fair-skinned babies.

Doctors claim that the use of these pills could severely affect the fetus and cause birth defects, including damage to limbs and internal organs.

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s the harsh realities we live today. You find children with all kinds of malformations, some with arms and short limbs. The practice is terrible and has negative effects on the status of the newborn,” said Dr. Clarence O. Addo-Yobo.

The head of the Department of Cosmetics and Household Chemistry of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), said in an interview with The Mirror that the practice was in vogue.

He noted that this could cause kidney and liver disease, skin cancer, skin thinning and other infections to the mother.

Security agencies and the police should work together to stop and prosecute companies and individuals in possession of illegal skin-whitening pills.

Recalled that in Ghana, recently candidates who bleached their skins were disqualified for positions in the immigration service.