An expose by The Standard on widespread cases of illegal abortions conducted in the country leading to death and serious health complications has sparked uproar from health experts and leaders.
The Kenya Medical Association National Chairperson Elly Nyaim said the abortion figures were very high, adding that urgent efforts are needed to boost awareness about unsafe sexual practices among the youth, who are the most vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies and abortions.
Dr Nyaim also called on the Government to provide an enabling environment to allow Kenyan women with legitimate health reasons to have safe and legal abortions, including those whose physical and psychological health might be put in danger by pregnancy.
“Currently, there are many women going to seek abortion in the backstreet clinics where their lives and health are put in danger. We should allow those with valid reasons to have abortions. This does not mean that women should be given a blank cheque to seek abortion,” he said.
Nyaim expressed horror at the high number of deaths and health complications arising from unsafe abortions saying there should also be avenues to allow women with such complications to access health care as quickly as possible. He said this would save more lives.
Anglican Church of Kenya Bungoma Diocese Bishop George Mechumo said the Government should do more to stop abortion as “they are responsible for the murder of unborn babies in the name of looking for money”. He said the State is also responsible for the resultant health complications.
“Abortion should remain outlawed in the country and the Government should not be lax in enforcing such a ban. If there is political will, this issue can be addressed but the Government is not serious. Why is it tolerated when the people behind it are known?” he asked.
Recent studies by the Health ministry and the University of Nairobi’s African Population and Health Research Centre show that close to half a million women in the country seek induced abortions every year while nearly 120,000 develop serious health complications due to abortion. At least 2,600 are estimated to die every year although the deaths could be far higher.
However, Bishop Mechumo dismissed claims that abortions have risen because religious and moral leaders have become lax in their duties. He said Kenyans are “no longer listening to their religious leaders and choose to do what they want in the name of freedom.”
Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Chairman Sheikh Ibrahim Ateka called for measures to address the underlying issues that lead to unwanted pregnancies, especially among the youth.
“Abortions cannot be justified under any circumstances unless the health of the mother is in peril. The Government has been lax in cracking down on the people who are providing illegal abortion services. Things cannot be allowed to go on like this,” he said.