VIYA #ReadyOrNot:
The Mics are on, let’s talk.
We are here to spark the right conversations, and to create better environments for women and girls everywhere. The #ReadyOrNot campaign is here to address the silence surrounding unsafe pregnancy termination procedures, the complex nature of pregnancy crises and the power of open dialogue, despite its discomfort to channel change.
What’s our mission?
Our mission is to offer clarity and support amidst widespread misinformation, recognizing both individual’s and society's readiness to engage in this essential conversation.
This campaign empowers individuals to navigate their sexual reproductive health journeys confidently and with support, guided by trusted voices and narratives often silenced. Through empathy, understanding, and access to reliable information and resources, VIYA Health advocates for informed decision-making and compassionate care in reproductive health.
Be part of the movement
Join our VIYA community for compassionate guidance as you navigate reproductive health decisions.
Together, let's create a safe space where "Ready or Not" serves as a reminder of the complexities involved, breaking down barriers and fostering honest discussions that transcend stigma.
Sharing is caring
Please share this with your friends or join our supportive VIYA community today.
Let's journey through reproductive health choices together with support and access to dependable healthcare providers every step of the way.
Let’s Talk Pregnancy Termination
-
✺ Open Dialogue ✺
“Ready or Not” breaks the silence around pregnancy terminations and the complex nature of pregnancy crises through the power of open dialogue, even when it’s uncomfortable.
-
✺ Mission ✺
“Ready or Not” offers clarity and support amidst widespread misinformation. It recognizes the readiness of both individuals and society to engage in this essential conversation.
-
✺ Self-determination ✺
“Ready or Not” enables women and girls to navigate their sexual reproductive health journeys confidently and with support. It is guided by trusted voices and narratives that are often silenced.
-
✺ Advocacy ✺
“Ready or Not” is guided by trusted voices and narratives that are often silenced, breaking down barriers and nurturing honest, stigma-free discussions.
-
✺ Community ✺
“Ready or Not” invites women of all ages to join the VIYA community for compassionate guidance in navigating reproductive health decisions.
-
✺ Sharing is Caring ✺
“Ready or Not” urges sharing with friends and joining the supportive VIYA community navigating reproductive health choices together.
WHO ARE VIYA EAST AFRICA?
Niaje, uko curious about Viya East Africa? Wondering who we are, huwa tunado nini, and mission yetu ni gani? If these questions are on your mind, this video is perfect for you! Press play to learn more.
What Is Pregnancy Termination?
Bev Munga kicks off our conversation!
She's been a powerful voice from the courtroom to the bedroom to help women explore their rights. Listen in, Sis!
Tracey Gachie Continues our conversation!
Tracey emphasizes the importance of open discussions, believing that sharing personal stories can counter the negativity that often prevents individuals from seeking proper care and advice.
#ReadyorNot
#ReadyorNot
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
-
No. Pregnancy termination is legal in Kenya to save the life or health of the woman and in cases of rape. Recently, in March 2022, a High Court in Malindi declared pregnancy termination-related arrests and prosecutions of persons who are legally permitted and licensed to provide the service illegal, concluding that pregnancy termination care was a fundamental right under the Constitution. The court added that protecting access to pregnancy termination affects vital constitutional values, including dignity, autonomy, equality and bodily integrity. It remains to be seen if this court ruling will further expand access to legal pregnancy termination care in Kenya. Pregnancy termination outside of the context of Article 26(4) along with attendant laws and regulations, however, remains illegal.
-
Do not use medication to terminate your pregnancy if you:
Are more than 13 weeks pregnant.
Have had an ectopic pregnancy or have ever had one previously. (This is when the pregnancy is developing outside of the uterus.)
Are allergic to misoprostol or mifepristone.
Have had a tubal ligation or tubal surgery before.
Have an IUD inserted (If so, you can first have it removed.)
-
Count how many weeks and days have passed since the start date of your last period.
To help you remember the start date, ask yourself:
What were you doing the day you started your last period?
Where were you when your last period started?
Who was with you when your period started?
What day of the week was it when your period began?
Was the first day of your period close to a holiday, special event, or weekend day?
What was the weather like when your period started?
What were you wearing the day you started your last period?
Do not choose a medication abortion if you are more than 12 or 13 weeks pregnant as it can be dangerous.
If you want to speak to a trained counsellor about which option may be right for you, VIYA can link you with one of our partner specialists on WhatsApp
Under what conditions should I not use medication for pregnancy termination?
-
No. If conducted by a trained professional using the correct method, abortion is exceptionally safe.
Rates of serious infections are extremely rare and can be easily treated with antibiotics.
No long-term physical problems are associated with it, including premature death, cancer, or high blood pressure.
No long-term emotional problems are associated with it, like depression or drug addiction. A recent long-term study found that five years after an abortion, most women still said it was the right decision, even if they struggled with their choice at the time. Relief was the most reported emotion.
-
Even though a properly conducted pregnancy termination by a trained professional is extremely safe, many people choose dangerous home remedies or visit informal/ traditional healers who use risky methods. This often happens because they want to keep the pregnancy and its termination secret, even if it risks their life or health.
An unsafe pregnancy termination can cause permanent injury, including infertility, or death. Do not try any of these unsafe methods:
Insert objects into the uterus, like sticks, roots, bones, wires, ground seeds, chemicals, etc.
Pour anything into the uterus, like bleach, saltwater, detergent, soap, chemicals, etc.
Drink any toxins like chemicals, detergent, bleach, special “tea”, herbs, etc.
Swallow any medications not designed for abortion, like painkillers, malaria medication, laxatives, etc.
Beat on the abdomen or push on it etc.
-
Of course, you can also use a pregnancy test kit, available at many pharmacies, or get an ultrasound at a health facility.
Note that many women rely on how their body feels and whether the symptoms of pregnancy have stopped. The following questions below can help you in this regard.
For questions 1 to 4 - if you answer yes to ALL OF THEM, then it’s a successful pregnancy termination.
If questions 1 to 4 answers are Yes, AND question 5 is a Yes, - you can continue to monitor the evolution of pregnancy symptoms which shall disappear in a few days
If any of questions 1 to 4 is a No, and question 5 is a Yes - you can continue to monitor the evolution of pregnancy symptoms. If the symptoms persist, plan to visit a health provider.
If even just ONE question from 6 to 8 is yes - then seek care immediately because you may have a complication from the pregnancy termination that needs to be treated by a medical professional.