“I Always Know She Cannot Betray Me.” Disclosure of Abortion and Methods Used in Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

Ramatou Ouedraogo, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Martin Bangha, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Clementine Rossier, University of Geneva
Onikepe Owolabi, Vital Strategies
Moussa Zan, ISSP

Despite abortion being stigmatized and legally restricted in Kenya, women still disclose their abortions within their network. This paper seeks to understand why and how women make the decisions to disclose their abortion and the link with the methods used. Combining quantitative and qualitative data collected with women who experienced abortion in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya, our findings show that sharing information around abortion is enclosed in a social dynamic around secrecy that contributes to making abortion a secret shared mostly with trusted friends (62%). Information was often shared to get support. Regarding the methods used, unidentified pills were the most used regardless of the confidant; followed by traditional methods especially among those who sought help with their mothers/aunts/grandmothers. The findings suggest the need for strengthening the circulation of information on safe methods within communities to increase the likelihood of women being directed through safe methods.