By Daniel Otieno
Jane (pseudonym) found herself pregnant at 17, a mere year away from completing her secondary education. While some might jump to conclusions, her pregnancy occurred after her first sexual encounter. As a diligent and financially challenged student, whose education depends on the kindness of others, Jane faced an agonizing decision: terminate the pregnancy and continue her education or carry the pregnancy to term and resume her studies later.
Jane’s story is but one among countless young girls who find themselves facing the daunting challenge of pregnancy while still in school. This underscores the urgent imperative for comprehensive sex education programs within our schools, equipping young girls with vital knowledge on preventing teenage pregnancy and understanding the harrowing consequences, including the perilous path of unsafe abortion. Statistics reveal that an average of seven women tragically loose their lives each day as they attempt to terminate pregnancies in hazardous conditions, leaving many others grappling with enduring fertility complications. For these adolescent girls, the decision to seek abortion often begins within the confines of their homes, with their parents having already invested in their education, only to be forced to abruptly halt their academic pursuits due to an unplanned pregnancy, perpetuating a cycle of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
The girl faces the dual challenge of disclosing her situation to her guardians and making a decision regarding her pregnancy, potentially without their knowledge. To combat the issue of unsafe abortions, particularly among school-going girls, it is imperative to encourage open discussions between parents and adolescents.
We must leverage the preferred communication channels of today’s youth, specifically social media, to disseminate vital information. To illustrate, in 2016, the most searched-for information was related to abortion procedures. Innovative Kenyan individuals and organizations can harness the power of social media to educate the public about safe pregnancy practices and the risks associated with unsafe abortions. Additionally, the government should take decisive action against unqualified medical practitioners who facilitate illegal abortions.
Social gatherings, which are popular among young people, including church activities, offer valuable opportunities to raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe abortions. Preventing unsafe abortions demands a multifaceted approach that targets both young men and women, providing them with the knowledge and skills to foster healthy relationships that minimize the risk of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
Daniel Otieno, Program officer NAYA.
