More than 13,000 girls who drop out of school are majorly due to pregnancy.
Reports from the United Nations Population Fund have it that, Kenyan records of adolescent and teenage pregnancies for girls between the age of 10-19 years in the period of July 2016 and June 2017 was 378,397.
During the COVID 19 pandemic, the cases reported were even high with an up to 40% increase in the states’ monthly average. This was said to be highly contributed by the inability of girls to access sexual health care because of the lockdown.
Unlike in the old days, the adolescent stage comes earlier to teenagers. At this stage, teens are highly sexually active and this misleads them to engaging themselves in sexuality, putting them at the risk of getting pregnant, subjecting them to early parenthood.
The situation is harder to the girls since they have to bear the burden of carrying the pregnancy for nine months at a young age. This can as well subject them to mental health problems especially when they realize they are not ready for the role yet.
In the uncertainty of what holds in the future, those who face rejection from baby daddies to parents and friends on the responsibilities always seek for the means to get out of the difficult situation. Many seek means to get rid of the baby – viewing abortion as the best way to end their problems.
There are those who opt to keep the baby but only when they are sure of getting support either from parents, baby daddy, or from friends.
Girls who opt to do an abortion have confessed that stigmatization is the main reason for them to participate in abortions. In an environment where most families view sex as taboo – a girl who becomes pregnant
is said to have the family’s reputation destroyed.
However, it’s good to know that there are more risks and effects that come along with doing an abortion such as;
Damage to the womb
An abortion requires skills and professionalism. If the process is not done by professionals it may end up damaging the womb of the cervix.
Excess bleeding
At an average rate, women who have undergone abortions can bleed for 14 to 21 days. Sometimes, the bleeding can extend to more days which can, in turn, cause health problems.
Infection of the uterus and fallopian tube
It may create more problems as incomplete barbarian may lead to a further surgical abortion procedure
It can also lead to future health risks such as weakening of the cervix which can increase the risks of pre-term deliveries.
It can cause infertility to a woman
There is an urgent need to educate our teens about early pregnancy and safe abortion. If in any case, a girl finds that they are pregnant let’s educate them on use of contraceptive, safe sex and abstinence.
Good story. Well thought