Exploring the lived experiences of women who have had abortions in Kenya

Abortion is legally restricted and highly stigmatized in Kenya. While abortion can be safe when performed using a recommended method by a trained provider, legal restrictions around abortion in Kenya force many women to seek abortion services from outside of the formal healthcare system. Despite these barriers, abortion is common in Kenya. The 2023 incidence of abortion study in Kenya1 showed that approximately 57 abortions occur for every 1,000 women aged 15-49 in the country each year.

That said, not much is known about the experiences of women in Kenya who seek abortion services. Understanding the experiences of these women can offer critical information about abortion safetyand gaps in sexual and reproductive service provision in Kenya.

This brief presents key findings from a survey (conducted April to May 2024) among women aged 15-49 in Kenya who have had an induced abortion in the past 5 years.