Understanding the Decision Making Dynamics to Termination of Pregnancy among Adolescent Girls and Young Women 10 -24 Years in Kenya

Felix Otieno, Internatinal Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya
Susan Ontiri, International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya
Davis Oenga, International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya
Abel Mokua, International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya

Pregnancy termination among adolescents and young people presents a major public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where approximately 2.2 million unintended pregnancies and 2.5 million unsafe abortions occur annually among this demographic. Globally, around 4.5 million teenagers face abortion annually, with 40% of these procedures occurring under unsafe conditions. This study explores the decision-making processes of adolescent girls and young women (ages 10-24) seeking abortion services in Kenya, focusing on individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors influencing their choices. Through in-depth interviews with 102 participants across four counties, the research identifies key factors including educational aspirations, fear of parental reactions, economic constraints, social stigma, and partner rejection. Findings reveal significant emotional distress upon discovering pregnancy and varying levels of awareness about termination options. Adolescents tend to use traditional methods, while young adults are more familiar with modern options but face challenges in accessing accurate information. The study underscores the need for improved education on reproductive health, accessible support services, and community-based interventions to enhance informed decision-making and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Qualitative data/methods/approaches, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See extended abstract.