In an op-ed in Nation titled “Give sex abuse victims access to abortion, other services,” three professionals from the Center’s Nairobi office write about the need for victims to have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and services, including safe abortion, post-abortion care, contraception and psychosocial support.

Referencing recent reports of sexual violence on Kenya’s tea farms, Martin Onyango, Associate Director of Legal Strategies for Africa; Prudence Mutiso, Legal Advisor for Africa; and Timothy Thondu, Global Legal Fellow, argue that while many are focused on holding the perpetrators accountable, it is equally important to ensure a comprehensive healthcare response for the survivors.

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“Many Kenyans fail to recognise the importance of comprehensive healthcare response for survivors of rape and defilement,” they write. “Misinformation, stigma, and moralisation have hindered many women and girls from seeking timely medical help, leading to preventable deaths. Healthcare providers have also shied away from providing these lawful and lifesaving services.”

In this climate, they argue, health care providers have a responsibility to offer their patients the best care possible. “The world needs to stand in solidarity with the survivors and demand accountability from the perpetrators,” write the authors. “Moreover, there should be concerted effort to ensure that victims have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and services, including safe abortion, post-abortion care, contraception and psychosocial support.”

Read the op-ed here:

• “Give sex abuse victims access to abortion, other services,” Nation, 03.06.23