Churches back down on abortion stance

Churches softened their position on the abortion clause in the draft constitution yesterday, averting a showdown with MPs opposed to any amendments to the document.

The church leaders, who had vowed to mobilise their flock to reject the draft constitution if abortion was not outlawed, agreed to an amendment proposed by Pubic Health Minister Beth Mugo providing that expectant women can get emergency treatment if their lives are threatened.

At a press conference of various churches led by Anglican Church head Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, the clergymen said that any emergency treatment should be geared towards saving the lives of both mother and baby and not terminating the pregnancy.

“We recommend that the article should read that abortion is not permitted, however expectant mothers shall be entitled to medical treatment in life-threatening situations,” said Kakamega Catholic bishop Philip Sulumeti who represented the Kenya Episcopal Conference.

Right to live

“While we leave it to medical practitioners to determine whether life is threatened, we must, however, draw a distinction between abortion and illness. There should be no wilful termination of life because everybody has a right to live,” he added.

“Our proposal on the right to life is consistent with the amendment proposed by the minister, but emphasis should be laid on the need to save the lives of both mother and child,” Bishop Sulumeti said.

The Orange Democratic Movement has maintained that the document be passed without any amendments. In a memorandum they intend to present to the MPs’ retreat ending today at the Kenya Institute of Administration, the religious leaders, however, reiterated their opposition to the kadhi courts. “If the proposed constitution shall contain any reference to kadhis courts, we shall reject the draft in total,” they warned.

Elsewhere, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka met a number of church leaders in a bid to ease their fears over the draft constitution.

The clerics led by Bishop Sulumeti, Archbishop Wabukala, NCCK general secretary Peter Karanja, PCEA Moderator David Gathanju, and the head of Methodist Church, Bishop Stephen Kanyaru among others, reiterated their position on abortion and emphasised that life begins at conception.

Additional reporting by Caroline Wafula