The widely popular Classic 105 FM Morning Conversation recently tackled the sensitive and often taboo subject of abortion.
Hosted by Maina Kageni and Mwalimu King’ang’i, the discussion aimed for honesty regarding an issue that callers insisted is far more widespread than society acknowledges.
The impetus for the conversation was a discussion surrounding the agitation for safe abortions to be declared a human right.
A Staggering Claim of Prevalence
During the show, Maina Kageni shared an encounter with a group of women who made a shocking claim. They suggested that almost every woman above the age of 20 or 21 has had at least one abortion.
“They said there's no woman above the age of 20, very few who can say they've not had an abortion,” Maina noted.
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The widespread nature of the issue sparked numerous questions from the host regarding where the procedures are carried out, the cost, and the time involved.
One caller, a former campus student, shared that she and a group of ten friends had all undergone the procedure. Abortions, callers indicated, are happening even among married women.
Methods and Costs of Termination
Callers detailed that the cost of an abortion procedure can vary, typically ranging from 10,000 KES to 15,000 KES. The price often depends on the duration of the pregnancy.
One caller noted that for pregnancies between one and ten weeks, termination can be achieved using tablets. The caller described the process as placing four white tablets under the tongue until they dissolve.
The Intense Physical Pain
Many callers attested to the intense pain associated with the procedure, particularly when using tablets. One woman, aged 26, likened the pain to the equivalent of giving birth.
It was noted that the pain is often so severe that patients are given strong pain relief, comparable to the Panadol provided to cancer patients.
Reasons for Termination
Listeners shared personal experiences outlining why they sought abortions. Common reasons included not being ready to raise a child.
One woman stated she aborted at age 20 while in university due to fear of her father. She was worried he would cease paying her school fees if he discovered the pregnancy.
"I did, and it cost me 10k, a simple process like 30 minutes," she shared.
Another caller, aged 26, explained that she was not married and was struggling to care for her existing child. She stated she was not ready for another baby.
Legalisation and Men's Responsibility
The debate repeatedly turned to the question of legalising abortion. Pro-choice advocates stressed that women must have the right to make choices over their own bodies.
However, there was also a strong call for men to be held accountable. Callers argued that current laws do not ensure men take care of their children.
“The laws do not ensure men take care of their children. Nowadays, men sire children and disappear. So this woman will have to put aside her drinks, her situation, andothers will have to forgo their plans. And the burden is always on the woman. The blame is always on the woman. It takes two to tangle,” a female caller stated.
Some listeners advocated that if abortion is legalised, mandatory paternity details should also be enforced. This measure would ensure that men are held responsible for their actions.
READ THIS TOO: Sam West Advises Women on the Reality of Abortion
A deeply concerning detail arose when a former health centre worker claimed that in some procedures, if the baby is born alive, they are "choked" or strangled (ananyongwa).
The worker explained that the clinicians do not want the babies and have nowhere to take them. The former worker stressed that instead of disposal, organizations like the World Child Welfare Society of Kenya and Thomas Bernard could take the children.
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