Parents and guardians’ whose school-going daughters become pregnant while at school, have been urged not to procure abortions for but to instead support them to safely deliver and return to school under the government’s learner re-entry policy.
Khwisero Member of Parliament, Christopher Aseka, said no child should be denied education because of pregnancy, noting that schools are required to readmit the teenage mothers after childbirth to enable them complete their studies.
Speaking during the handover of a school bus worth Sh11 million funded by NG-CDF Eshibinga Senior School in Kisa East Ward, Aseka said parents should prioritise the safety and future of their children by avoiding decisions that could expose them to the dangers associated with unsafe abortions.
“It is better to allow the child to give birth and later return to school than expose her to the dangers of abortion. Pregnancy should not mark the end of a girl’s education because she still has a future to pursue,” he said.
The MP made the remarks following reports of an alleged abortion involving a school-going girl in the constituency, saying the incident should prompt families to embrace lawful and safe options that protect the lives and wellbeing of learners.
He warned that anyone found befriending school-going children or facilitating criminal acts against them would face the full force of the law, saying those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.
Aseka appealed to parents to support teenage girls facing unplanned pregnancies with care, counselling and appropriate medical attention, saying such support gives them a chance to resume their education and rebuild their lives.
He also called on education stakeholders, health workers and community leaders to strengthen awareness on adolescent reproductive health and child protection to ensure learners remain safe and complete their education.
By John Ochanda
