Women rights groups’ fury at abortion clause

The clause, the medics said, would create a “restrictive legal regime” that would prohibit the provision of medical emergencies.

The Catholic Church strongly opposes abortion and had called for a clarification on when life begins.

Currently, the need for contraception in Kenya stands at 25 per cent, leading to unwanted pregnancies that are later aborted.

Support clause

Gender minister Esther Murugi supported the clause, but called for medical intervention where the mother’s life was in danger.

Religious leaders urged medics to save the lives of both the mother and the child in the event of a medical emergency.

“This is a theological, social, medical and moral issue that should be strictly observed,” said Father Emmanuel Ngugi of the Caritas Archdiocese of Nairobi.

According to statistics, more than 300,000 women in Kenya procure abortions every year.