Kenyan regulators have barred Marie Stopes from providing abortion services after investigators examined claims that the organization was advertising the procedure.
The Medical Practitioners Board said the action followed extensive inquiries into the allegations. Under Kenyan law, abortion is only permitted when the mother’s life is in danger.
Marie Stopes rejected the move and said it operates within Kenyan law. The organization also said it offers counseling before and after abortion, as well as post-abortion care.
Ezekiel Mutua, the KFCB boss, was quoted supporting the ban and accusing the previous US government of contributing to moral decay in Kenya by promoting abortion.
The government also directed the organization, which describes itself as the world’s largest provider of contraception and safe abortion services, to submit weekly reports on all services rendered to patients for the next 60 days to confirm compliance with the ban.
Some Kenyans have warned that the decision could push more women toward unsafe abortions in backstreet clinics.
