Kenya’s Abortion Law Reform: A Tale of Hope and Despair

Kenya’s Abortion Law Reform: A Tale of Hope and Despair

This chapter examines the history, legal evolution, and ongoing challenges surrounding abortion law reform in Kenya. The authors discuss how, despite constitutional reforms in 2010 expanding legal grounds for safe abortion, significant barriers persist due to conflicting penal laws, criminal prosecution of women and providers, and vocal anti-gender movements. Ultimately, the piece demonstrates how these ongoing socio-political and legal contestations leave safe abortion largely inaccessible, driving high rates of unsafe abortions and maternal mortality across the country.