True Stories
When I became pregnant in 2007, only four months after giving birth to my third daughter, I knew I could not mentally, financially or emotionally care for another child. I was just beginning to understand just how hard it is to navigate this world as a young career woman and mother. It was as if I was screaming to the world, “I’m here. I matter. Don’t you see me?!” I knew right away that abortion was the best option for me. The decision was the easy part. Paying for my abortion, requesting time off from work, disclosing my decision to others whom I had to borrow money from and dealing with the shame was the hard part. It took some time for me to understand just how important, although uncommon, my experience was. As a Kenyan woman, it’s necessary for me to share my experience with others like me so they can know they’re not alone.
Njeri K.
I had an abortion at 30+ years old because I wasn’t ready for the responsibility nor was I financially capable to sufficiently take care of another human being as I was unemployed at the time. After deliberate thinking and talking it over with my mom and the father, I decided that the best choice for me was to terminate and that’s what I did. I was fortunately able to find a low-cost option in Nairobi. the only thing I regret was not speaking to friends that I had whom could have made the process smoother and possibly found a better option to have my procedure completed in the city.
Milka O.
While at campus, I and my loving boyfriend got pregnant. It was a poorly timed pregnancy, as neither of us were in a financially nor emotionally stable place to parent effectively. I went to a local licensed clinic where I received compassionate, competent, and complete abortion care. I testify because I should not be ashamed of my choice to have an abortion, nor should I feel compelled to stay silent. It’s freeing to be honest and open and there for other women who are going through a similar experience now.