First of all, abortion is illegal in Kenya as of 2020. It’s only carried out just in case there is a need for emergency treatment or if the mother’s life is in danger. According to recent research by Marie Stopes Kenya, Tens of thousands of women die every year as a result of complications related to unsafe abortion.
This is mostly due to counterfeit drugs, quack doctors, tea-leaves, knitting needles, even small bottles filled with improvised explosives inserted into the uterus. In Kenya, there are two different types of medication used for a medical abortion – Mifepristone, and Misoprostol.
1. Mifepristone Pills
Mifepristone ( 200g) pill (also known as RU-486, Mifegyne, Mifeprex or Zacafemyl ) is usually swallowed with a glass of water. This pill stops progesterone hormone working. Without this hormone, the pregnancy can not continue because it will be detached from the uterus (womb). One good thing about the mifepristone pill is that you can carry out your day’s activities without any problem i.e eat and drink water normally. However, taking alcohol is prohibited after taking this pill.
2. Misoprostol Pills
After being administered with the Mifepristone pills, you will be given Misoprostol pills (also known as Cytotec, Arthrotec, Oxaprost, Cyprostol, Mibetec, Prostokos or Misotrol). They help to contract the uterus ( womb) which therefore causes bleeding and cramping then abort the pregnancy. Bleeding and cramping will occur a few minutes or even a few hours after using this pill. Please note that the bleeding will be much heavier than your normal periods and it can continue like this for more hours; which is a good sign that abortion will be successful.
Sometimes you may take the Misoprostol Pills and no bleeding occurs or it may be lighter than your normal periods. In this situation, you are advised to use more Misoprostol Pills. It is advisable to have 8 Misoprostol pills total (4 extra) just in case you need them. You can also use Ibuprofen pills to reduce the pain. Placing a hot compress on your stomach and drink hot tea can also help to reduce the pain. Do not use Asprin as it may interfere with the process. Some women may experience some Nausea, headache, diarrhoea, chills, and bleeding (obvious) after taking the pill.
According to medics, the combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol is very effective (95%). Only take these pills if they are prescribed to you by a qualified doctor or otherwise you will be risking your precious life. You can always visit any Marie Stopes clinic in Kenya to be advised on how to do a safe abortion.
