A recent report on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Kenya sheds light on the alarming prevalence of unsafe abortions and their devastating impact on women.
The report, 'Who shapes the Narrative: Media coverage Analysis of SRHR in Kenya', was released by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
It examines media coverage, societal influencers, and actionable recommendations.
According to the report, unsafe abortions have become a silent crisis affecting thousands of Kenyan women each year.
The report says journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse around SRHR by raising awareness and holding stakeholders accountable.
Their framing of stories on issues like unsafe abortions and teenage pregnancies has the potential to influence policy and societal attitudes
However, this coverage is often limited, leaving critical gaps in public understanding and policy reforms.
Unsafe abortions remain a leading cause of maternal deaths in Kenya, fueled by restrictive laws, stigma, and inadequate access to healthcare.
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2022) reports that 15 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 years have been pregnant, a figure that jumps to 31 per cent for those aged 19.
These pregnancies, often unplanned, push many women to resort to unsafe methods due to lack of access to safe abortion services.
Approximately 464,000 abortions are performed in Kenya annually, with nearly half considered unsafe.
These procedures often lead to severe complications, including infertility and maternal deaths, disproportionately affecting young and economically disadvantaged women.
Barriers to safe solutions
Kenya’s legal framework severely limits access to safe abortions, allowing them only when the mother’s life is at risk.
Even in such cases, stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure deter women from seeking help.
This legal and societal environment perpetuates a cycle of silence and fear, leaving many women vulnerable.
The report also notes that only 6.5 per cent of SRHR stories focus on legal and judicial perspectives, showing a missed opportunity to spotlight the judiciary's role in driving policy reforms.
Public discourse often leans toward punitive measures or moral framing, neglecting the human rights and health implications of unsafe abortions.
The report emphasises the critical role of media in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion on SRHR.
By using personal and emotional stories, journalists can humanize the issue, provoke action, and highlight the real-life consequences of unsafe practices.
Additionally, amplifying stories about judicial rulings, healthcare initiatives, and human rights advocacy can foster informed dialogue and promote systemic change.
To address the hidden crisis of unsafe abortions, Kenya must improve access to contraception, expand comprehensive sex education, and reform restrictive laws.
Media, as a powerful tool for education and advocacy, must lead efforts to de-stigmatize abortion and push for progressive policies that safeguard women’s rights and health.
Unsafe abortions are not just a personal tragedy but a societal failure that demands urgent and collective action.
The report provides a clear roadmap for addressing these challenges and ensuring that no woman has to risk her life for the right to make decisions about her own body.
