Illegal Abortions In Mukuru

This story sheds light on the hidden reality of illegal abortions in Mukuru, where many women resort to unsafe procedures despite the grave risks involved. The focus is not on the safety or health of the mother but on the desperate measures taken in silence and secrecy.

Poverty plays a central role in driving women toward these unsafe options. With limited access to proper healthcare and financial constraints, many women see illegal abortion as their only way out of unplanned pregnancies. For those struggling to survive in informal settlements, the lack of resources often outweighs considerations of safety.

The cost of these abortions, ranging from as little as Ksh 1,500 to 4,500, makes them accessible to low income women but at a high price to their health and dignity. Local chemists have become the go to places, offering quick, under the table services that exploit the desperation of those in need.

Despite Kenya’s laws prohibiting abortion, the practice continues unchecked in informal settings. This reflects both the gaps in enforcement and the persistent demand among women facing economic hardship. The story highlights the stark reality of how poverty, lack of awareness, and weak health systems fuel an underground network of unsafe abortion practices.

by ROBERT LEDIRA BOTERE