Nakuru health advocates call for more funding for post-abortion care
The advocates said inadequate funding and shortages of essential supplies were limiting the ability of health facilities to provide timely post-abortion care.
Nakuru, Kenya - Reproductive health advocates in Nakuru have urged the government to increase funding for Post-Abortion Care (PAC) services, in order to curb maternal deaths and complications resulting from unsafe and spontaneous abortions. Insufficient funding and limited supplies are impeding health facilities' ability to offer timely post-abortion care, a concern raised by the Reproductive Health Champions Organisation (RHCO) Executive Director, Martin Lunalo. Lunalo made these remarks while participating in events to observe International Safe Abortion Day.
Lunalo stressed the need for dedicated resources to manage complications from abortion, like severe bleeding, infections, and other emergencies. The World Health Organization's assessment of health facilities in 2025 revealed gaps in post-abortion care, including shortages of services and essential supplies. RHCO has contributed to establishing and equipping six post-abortion care rooms across six counties.
Kenya has pledged to enhance reproductive healthcare services through international commitments such as the Maputo Protocol and Article 26(4) of the Constitution. This provision allows for abortion under specific circumstances, including emergency treatment, danger to the mother's life or health, or if permitted by other laws. However, health facilities, including faith-based institutions, have been reluctant to provide post-abortion care due to concerns about criticism or stigma.
Joy Kamau, a representative from Better Lives Organisation, urged the Ministry of Health to strengthen the implementation of existing reproductive health policies and guidelines.
Kamau also called for action against health facilities that refuse to treat patients with abortion-related complications, emphasizing that existing laws and policies guide the provision of such services. The International Safe Abortion Day activities organized by RHCO aimed to raise awareness and promote dignity for individuals seeking reproductive healthcare.
Advocates argued that better financing, essential medical supplies, trained personnel, and stricter adherence to national guidelines would help address post-abortion care gaps and reduce preventable maternal deaths and complications in Kenya.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
