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{
    "id": 1565158,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1565158/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 98,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kibwana",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, the study, which covered Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru counties, paints a grim picture of unmet needs and stigma in reproductive health. It recorded 793,664 abortions in 2023, representing a rate of 57.3 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49 years. The highest abortion rates were reported in Nairobi and Central Kenya at 78.3 per 1,000 women, followed by Nyanza at 69.4 per 1,000 women, and Western at 55.6 per 1,000 women, while Coast and North-Eastern regions reported the lowest rates at 38.7 per 1,000 women. Mr. Speaker, Sir, social stigma continues to surround contraception, especially for young women who are often branded immoral despite being sexually active and in need of protection. The study found that 58 per cent of the women interviewed were married, and among these, 32 per cent had two or more children. This disapproves the myth that contraception is only sought by unmarried or promiscuous individuals. In reality, it is a fundamental health and family planning necessity. The study also exposed serious gaps in post-abortion care. Only 24 per cent of referral facilities and 21 per cent of lower-level facilities were equipped to provide even basic post-abortion services, leaving thousands of women vulnerable to complications and long-term health risks. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the light of these findings, I urge the Standing Committee on Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, to consider initiating an inquiry with a view of addressing the following- (1) The distribution, quality and effectiveness of contraceptive methods available in public health facilities across the country. (2) Access to reliable and long-acting contraceptive options, particularly in underserved and high-risk regions. (3) Public education programmes to combat stigma and promote informed reproductive health choices among youth and families. (4) The availability of comprehensive post-abortion care in public health facilities, including staff training and improved supply chains for critical services. Protecting the reproductive rights and health of women and girls is not optional; it is a national imperative. We must act urgently to address this crisis and strengthen our reproductive health care systems. I thank you."
}