NAIROBI, Kenya – A report released on May 2, 2025, by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) has shed light on the significant barriers women face in accessing contraceptive methods following post-abortion care (PAC).
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Guttmacher Institute and the Ministry of Health, found that nearly two-thirds of women did not receive contraceptive methods after their treatment.
Among them, 25.6% expressed a desire to get pregnant again soon, while 41.8% opposed contraception due to concerns over side effects, partner opposition, personal beliefs, or preference for traditional methods and abstinence.
Only 25.9% of women in Nairobi and Central received care in a formal health facility during their most recent abortion, compared to 43% in Eastern and 42.3% in Coast and North Eastern regions. ynews.digital/newsflash/nair…
The report, which draws from data collected between April 2023 and May 2024, reveals that 11.9% of women interested in contraception needed more time to consult with their partner, choose the method, or recover physically from the pregnancy loss.
A similar number of women were unable to access contraceptives due to issues with service availability and quality, including inadequate counselling, method stock-outs, or staffing shortages.
The findings come in the context of high unintended pregnancies in Kenya, with the report noting an estimated 1.4 million unintended pregnancies in 2023, of which 792,694 resulted in induced abortions.
The study emphasizes the need for stronger capacity in low-level health facilities, including better training for mid-level health providers and improved supply chains for PAC-related commodities.
The report highlights the importance of comprehensive post-abortion care (PAC) services, as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
These services include not only medical treatment but also counselling and family planning options aimed at preventing future complications and promoting overall health and well-being for women.
The study calls for targeted interventions to reduce barriers to contraceptive access and strengthen healthcare systems to ensure women receive the necessary care and support after experiencing an abortion.
The report highlights that 27% of women surveyed used traditional methods, such as ingesting herbs or drinking teas to induce abortion, illustrating the lengths to which women will go in desperate circumstances. ynews.digital/development-ne…
