By Purity Nthiana

Abortion is one of the topics that people avoid. It makes people uncomfortable due to the information that has been provided over the years. Unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes of death among our women with 2600 women dying every year. This translates to 7 deaths each day which is one too many. Stigmatization and shame has led to many women procuring unsafe methods to get rid of a pregnancy. These unorthodox methods cause a lot of harm to the woman either physically or psychologically. With the increase in the number of young adults engaging in sexual activity, there is also an increase in early and unwanted pregnancies. Women and especially young girls do not have information on what next after an unwanted pregnancy. They are often left with options each worse than the other. Damned if I do damned if I don’t kind of scenario.

But where are the men in this? Where is the young man that has impregnated a 16-year-old girl? He is out there going about his day because I mean, what consequences does he suffer? This brings me to the education that young men should be given in helping women navigate the reproductive health journey. Mothers with young boys should teach them about responsibility and consequences of engaging in unsafe sexual activity. Men should take up the task of educating themselves on abortion; the place, various options, procedures, finances and risks. This will enable them to provide the much-needed support incase their partner gets pregnant and does not wish to keep it. Men play an important role in women seeking abortion services. Many women will seek these services when the man offers support to raise the child and vice versa. We are yet to talk about those that offer support until the window for seeking abortion services is closed and then they disappear. This will prevent this woman from using or seeking unsafe methods which can cause death. 

Information on safe abortion should be provided to the women. To ensure they are aware of the risks that come with abortion. Post abortion services should also be made available to help the woman heal mentally therefore preventing them from getting into depression due to guilt or other factors. Men should on the other hand be supportive during this period when the woman is going through a difficult time both physically and mentally. In this way we can have a healed community.

Miss Nthiana Is a SRHR Advocate at NAYA.