This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
On November 13, 2019, the 25th International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25) kicked off at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, sparking controversy among religious leaders in Kenya.
Atheists in Kenya president Harrison Mumia has criticized religious leaders for opposing abortion rights, citing the need for women to have access to information and education.
Mr. Mumia expressed his disappointment with President Uhuru Kenyatta's apparent support for the religious leaders, who he claims are promoting 'retrogressive African cultures and religious positions.'
According to Mr. Mumia, the statistics are alarming, with 300,000 abortions occurring in Kenya annually, resulting in one in five maternal deaths from unsafe abortions.
He called for the government to eliminate barriers to obtaining family planning services, provide free or low-cost family planning services to all women, especially the young and poor, and introduce sex education in schools.
Mr. Mumia also urged the government to expand post-abortion care services and review the Constitution to legalize abortion and make it safe.
He emphasized that religious leaders are not the custodians of morality in Kenya and that it is time for the country to move forward and prioritize women's reproductive health.
