Over 700,000 Abortions Reported in Kenya in a Year, 80% Among Married Women: Shocking Report
A disturbing new report from the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) and the Guttmacher Institute, has revealed that over 792,000 induced abortions took place in Kenya between April 2023 and May 2024. This translates to 57.3 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49 years).
The most surprising revelation is that nearly 80 percent of those who underwent the procedure were married or cohabiting women. Additionally, 65 percent had previously given birth, and 32 percent were mothers of two or more children.
According to Margaret Giorgio, Senior Research Scientist at Guttmacher, “Women choose to have abortions not only because they feel unprepared for parenthood, but also because many are already parents struggling with the high cost of raising children.”
The data also shows that over half of all unintended pregnancies end in induced abortion. Alarmingly, 66 percent of women who terminated a pregnancy were not using any form of contraception at the time. Many cited fear of side effects and health complications as the primary reasons for avoiding modern contraceptives.
“Unintended pregnancies are the primary drivers of abortion,” said Kenneth Juma, a Senior Research Officer at APHRC. “One of the key contributors is the low uptake of modern contraceptives. Raising community awareness is crucial.”
Most women (89%) reported using a single method to terminate their pregnancy, while 14% used multiple methods. Disturbingly, 7.8 percent resorted to dangerous methods such as inserting sharp objects or ingesting toxic substances.
The report also highlighted glaring gaps in Kenya’s healthcare system. Only 18 percent of primary-level facilities and 24 percent of referral facilities are equipped to provide post-abortion care.
Regionally, Nairobi and Central Kenya recorded the highest rates of induced abortions, while Coast and North Eastern regions had the lowest.
This report underscores the urgent need for enhanced reproductive health education, greater access to modern contraceptives, and improved post-abortion care services across the country.
In other news:Five Elite Officers Killed, Five Injured in Al-Shabaab Ambush in Lamu’s Boni Forest
Over 700,000 Abortions Reported in Kenya in a Year, 80% Among Married Women: Shocking Report