Kisii County Children’s Officer Joseph Maticha has expressed concern over the rising cases of child neglect and killing by young mothers, particularly teenage school girls who get pregnant without planning and resort to abortion.
He warned that those found guilty will face arrest and prosecution. Maticha attributed this trend to lack of guidance and support from parents and teachers, urging them to be more vigilant and supportive, especially when their daughters are pregnant.
Abortion is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in Kenya, with approximately 465,000 illegal abortions resulting in severe complications and hospitalizations annually. Those who undergo unsafe abortions risk severe health problems, including infection, excessive bleeding, and damage to reproductive organs, which can lead to infertility or even death.
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Young mothers who give birth successfully face numerous challenges, including providing clothing, nutrition, and overall care for their children. Many of these children lack identity due to being fatherless, leading to social and emotional difficulties. This situation often results in children wandering the streets, vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The officer highlighted that the Constitution of Kenya permits abortion when the life or health of the mother is at risk, but many women and girls lack access to safe and legal abortion services, leading them to seek clandestine care from untrained providers.
He cautioned medical practitioners who collude with girls to abort behind the streets, saying that their days are numbered
Enock Okong’o
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