Teenage pregnancy is becoming increasingly common in informal settlements. [Courtesy]
Ruth*, 17, still remembers the fear and uncertainty that gripped her when she discovered she was six weeks pregnant.
The teenager, who lives in Majengo slums, became pregnant after having unprotected sex with a boda boda rider who also earns a living unblocking drainage systems in the neighbourhood. Faced with the possibility of dropping out of school and an uncertain future, she briefly considered terminating the pregnancy.
Her friends, however, warned her about the dangers of unsafe abortion, including severe bleeding, infection and even death. After much reflection, she decided to carry the pregnancy to term.
“Why would God not let the pregnancy go?” Ruth asks. “Maybe it is the only pregnancy God has blessed me with, possibly my only child.”
