This archive report was first published on 15 December 2019.
Abortion, a taboo topic in Kenya, has been shrouded in secrecy and myths. However, a recent study by Marie Stopes has shed light on the reality of married women's lives, revealing that a significant number are turning to abortion as a means to maintain sanity and peace in their households.
According to the study, about a quarter of women procuring abortions in Kenya are either married, living with someone, or cohabiting. Furthermore, half of the pregnancies among married women are either mistimed or unwanted.
Married women who spoke to the author of the article shared their reasons for choosing abortion. They explained that many men do not engage in open discussions about family planning, leaving women to navigate the complexities of marriage and childbearing on their own.
One of the women shared that her husband had promised to have children, but never discussed the number of children they wanted or the spacing between them. This lack of communication led to unintended pregnancies, which the women felt were a result of their husbands' failure to provide for their families.
Another woman revealed that her husband had deserted her after she became pregnant with an unwanted child. She felt that abortion was a necessary evil to prevent further suffering and maintain the peace in her household.
Despite the availability of contraception, many married women view abortion as a lesser evil. They believe that taking contraception would compromise their husbands' sexual experience, leading to further conflict in their relationships.
Some women even admitted to having lovers outside of their marriages, which they saw as a means to fill the happiness gaps in their relationships. They believed that abortion was necessary to maintain the image of a perfect family and prevent the suffering of an innocent child.
These women's stories highlight the complexities of marriage and family planning in Kenya. They demonstrate that abortion is not just a moral issue, but also a practical solution for women who feel trapped in unhappy marriages.
As the author of the article noted, 'to each her own.' The reality of married women's lives in Kenya is complex and multifaceted, and it is time to acknowledge the need for safe and accessible abortion services.
