Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris, on Thursday, voiced her support of abortion for victims of rape.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the women rep, however, clarified that she supports the practice but not as a birth control method.
“I support abortion fully, to be legalised. I do not support abortion as birth control.
“We have to also make a law, that women and girls who are mentally challenged should be put on some form of contraceptive because they are not in a position to want a child,” stated Passaris.
She further appealed to the government to make sure that contraceptives are available countrywide.
She also explained that the state should intervene on underage girls who are forced to carry their pregnancies which are mostly as a result of rape.
“When they are raped, the decision for them to remove the child should be held by either the state or a close family member,” continued the Women rep.
She went on to categorise the cases in which she advocated for abortion to be granted.
She explained that an underage girl raped by a stranger or her father, a woman who has been raped or Catholic rape victims whose faith does not allow for abortion should be allowed to terminate their pregnancies.
She cited street children and full children orphanages as a reason why the state should consider legalising abortion.
“It is better for people who do not want to have a child to know you can go for a safe abortion somewhere before you reach your first trimester,” she explained.
