The recent tragic incident of a pregnant woman who died due to her husband’s inability to raise N500,000 for her treatment is an eye-opener to the harsh realities which exist in most marriages. The deplorable incident is an appeal to all of us, particularly women, to ask ourselves what the importance of financial stability in our marriages is.

Where women are being asked to prioritize love and emotional attachment over financial security, the time has come to acknowledge that a man’s capacity to pay bills can be a matter of life and death. That a woman’s life is lost due to her partner’s inability to pay for simple medical care is a searing indictment of our social values.

This tragedy needs to be placed in perspective the way we talk about marriage and relationships. It’s time to acknowledge that women have every right to place a man’s financial security above all else before settling into a long-term relationship. In fact, it’s not so much about being “gold-diggers” or materialistic; it’s about making sure that their fundamental needs, including healthcare, are taken care of.

A woman’s life literally hangs on the balance when she chooses a partner who cannot provide for her. The urge to put love and emotional compatibility over economic stability can be overwhelming, but it must be realized that a partner’s ability to provide for their loved ones is a fundamental aspect of any relationship.

It’s not being mercenary or cynical; it’s being practical and responsible. Women shouldn’t be embarrassed to evaluate a man’s financial capacity before settling down with him. In fact, it’s a step in the right direction towards ensuring that they can have a secure and stable future together.

Of course, this isn’t intended to be phrased as that fiscal security is the only facet of a relationship to think about. Feeling, value compatibility, and respect are all essential factors in a good relationship. But to neglect the value of fiscal stability is to endanger a woman’s life.

As we reflect on this fundamental issue, let us remember that women’s lives are not disposable. They should be treated with dignity and respect, and one of those is to have access to basic healthcare and economic security.

We should now go back to our social values and prioritize the health and safety of women in every aspect of their lives, even in relations.

In summary, the unfortunate death of a pregnant woman because of her husband’s financial instability should be an eye-opener to all of us. Women have every right to prioritize a man’s financial ability before settling down with him, and it’s time for us to realize the significance of financial stability in our relationships. Let us work toward creating a society where the value and respect are given to women’s lives, and they make choices regarding their relationships with an absence of threat from economic insecurity.