A group of Kenyans under the organisation CitizenGO have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health Sicily Kariuki demanding that Marie Stopes licence be revoked for its abortion ad.
This follows an ad by the health facility that has been promising ‘solutions’ for unwanted/unplanned pregnancies to women and young girls. The ad has been seen as a way of promoting abortion, which is illegal in Kenya unless the life of the mother is in danger.
“Marie Stopes Clinics have been associated with illegal abortion activities not only in Kenya but internationally. The clinic operating under the guise of “safe reproductive health services and family planning” is an abortion mill operating under your watch,” reads the letter in part.
The group says that it has previously written to the ministry for action during Cleophas Mailu’s tenure, but he left office shortly and up to date no action has ever been taken.
The ad has been running despite a ban by the Kenya Film Classification Board mid this year.
Read: Marie Stopes ‘Abortion’ Ad Still Running Amidst Ban By KFCB
“Today Marie Stopes clinics are advertising abortions just like you would advertise candy in a nation where abortion is not only illegal but has a strong pro-life culture. Radio Africa’s Classic FM and Capital FM have notoriously refused to obey an order by the Kenya Film Classification Board banning the abortion adverts and every morning commuters seated in public vehicles have to listen to such abhorring adverts,” adds the letter.
So far, the group has collected over 3000 signatures demanding investigations and deregistration of Marie Stopes.
“It is our demand that immediate investigations commence against the rampant abortion activities associated with Marie Stopes and in the meantime their license to be revoked,” concludes the letter.
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