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Kenya Prohibits Marie Stopes From Offering Abortion Services

By Urenna Ukiwe
18 November 2018   |   5:40 pm
It is illegal to offer abortion services in Kenya unless the health of the mother is at risk. Kenyan authorities have prohibited the international health organisation Marie Stopes from offering any form of abortion services. The Medical Practitioners Board made the decision after investigating complaints that the group's adverts were encouraging abortion. The international health…

It is illegal to offer abortion services in Kenya unless the health of the mother is at risk.

Kenyan authorities have prohibited the international health organisation Marie Stopes from offering any form of abortion services.

The Medical Practitioners Board made the decision after investigating complaints that the group’s adverts were encouraging abortion.

The international health organisation said it operates within the confines of the law offering counselling services including post-abortion care.

Some citizens fear the prohibition could result in an increase in illegal abortion services

In a letter sent from the Medical Practitioners Board to Marie Stopes, they gave a directive that: “Marie Stopes Kenya is hereby directed to immediately cease and desist offering any form of abortion services in all its facilities within the republic.”

Marie Stopes was also directed to submit a weekly report on all services provided in its facilities for 60 days.

Marie Stopes International prides itself on being the world’s largest provider of contraception and safe abortion services, with more than 12,000 team members in 37 countries.

In her defence, the organisation’s country director, Ms Dana Tilson, said: “Marie Stopes Kenya offers pregnancy crisis counselling and post-abortion care with the aim of saving the woman and promoting positive health outcomes.”

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