A startling new report by the Africa Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) has revealed that over 80 per cent of the 792,694 induced abortions recorded in Kenya in 2023 were among married women—sending shockwaves across the nation.
Contrary to the widespread belief that abortions are primarily associated with young, unmarried women, the data paints a different picture. Of the 3,710 women treated in health facilities for abortion-related complications, a staggering 2,643 were either married or living with a partner.
“This data challenges the common narrative,” said senior APHRC researcher Kenneth Juma. “Many married women are terminating pregnancies due to economic pressures, career aspirations, and the desire for smaller families.”
The report, conducted jointly with the Guttmacher Institute and the Ministry of Health, shows that almost half of the affected women were aged between 25 and 34, and about one-third had secondary education. Christians made up the majority (3,028), followed by Muslims (303).
Regions with the highest recorded induced abortions include Nairobi and Central (234,125), followed by Nyanza and Western (222,196).
Researchers emphasized that societal pressures, rising living costs, and lack of reproductive autonomy are pushing many married women into desperate decisions.
With 1.4 million unintended pregnancies in 2023, the findings raise urgent questions about access to family planning, education, and support systems—especially for women in committed relationships.
“This is a wake-up call,” Juma added. “We must rethink how we approach reproductive health.”
