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The Federation of Women Lawyers (Fida) has sued the government for failing to come up with provisions to guide safe abortions.

Fida argued that the Ministry of Health’s decision to withdraw guidelines and training of health practitioners on safe abortions is a violation of women's rights.

“The government is allowing thousands of women to die or suffer severe complications due to unsafe abortions. The deaths and injuries can be prevented if medical professionals are trained and given clear standards and guidelines on providing the services to women who qualify,” said the organisation.

The organisation's lawyer, Harun Ndubi, submitted that the decision to stop training on safe abortions and the use of safe drugs to procure abortions is against the government’s obligation to provide high health standards to women and adolescent girls.

“Withdrawal of training puts women at greater risk of death from unsafe abortions by unskilled health workers which violates women's rights to access comprehensive and accurate health treatment,” said Mr Ndubi.

Fida said the government’s failure to provide safe abortions has violated the rights of women and asked the government not to interfere with any professional health worker who goes for training on safe abortions.

“Denying a woman access to critical healthcare she needs can lead to devastating consequences in her life, her family and her community. It is time the government took decisive action to protect the health, lives, families and future of Kenyan women before more women are needlessly harmed by its policies,” said Evelyn Opondo, the regional director for the Centre for Reproductive Health.

The organisation also wants the court to order the Ministry of Health to introduce standards and guidelines that will clarify when abortion can legally be provided.

Credit: Nation.co.ke