The Africa Centre for Health Systems and Gender Justice (ACHGJ) launched the Interdisciplinary Network for Abortion Rights and Ethics (INARE) to address a major health challenge in Kenya: the absence of organised, approved training and support for abortion care.
For years, Kenyan medical professionals have operated amid unclear laws, widespread stigma, and a lack of clear medical guidelines. As a result, doctors, nurses and clinical officers often lack the confidence, skills, and support needed to provide safe, rights-based abortion care. This has led to fewer providers, weaker health system leadership, and continued unsafe abortions, resulting in preventable maternal deaths.
INARE directly addresses this issue by bringing together 30 practitioners in its initial phase to create a professional network. Members gain access to legal information, clear ethical guidance, and evidence-based training. This empowers practitioners to become informed leaders who can influence policy, strengthen health leadership, and shift public discourse on abortion.
The impact extends beyond health workers’ needs. Women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, especially those in underserved communities, will benefit from safer, more accessible, and higher-quality reproductive healthcare. With reliable information and trained providers, their reproductive choices become tangible and achievable.
The coalition establishes key foundations; a collaboratively developed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course will deliver the long-needed training approved for Kenya’s health system. As the network expands nationally, it aims to unite practitioners committed to rights-based care and to transform the country’s approach to reproductive health.
By combating stigma, supporting providers, and ensuring abortion care aligns with ethics, law, and best medical practices, INARE addresses a critical issue in Kenya’s health system. Stakeholders describe it as a “game changer” because it has the potential to save lives, advance gender equality, and ensure Kenya’s reproductive health system is grounded in dignity and rights rather than fear or silence.
