VIYA Health #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?
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.
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.
What is #ReadyOrNot All About?
#ReadyOrNot is a campaign that breaks the silence around reproductive health and unsafe pregnancy termination by fostering honest, stigma-free conversations and support.
OPEN DIALOGUE
#ReadyorNot 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
#ReadyorNot offers clarity and support amidst widespread misinformation. It recognizes the readiness of both individuals and society to engage in this essential conversation.
SELF-DETERMINATION
#ReadyorNot 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
#ReadyorNot is guided by trusted voices and narratives that are often silenced, breaking down barriers and nurturing honest, stigma-free discussions.
COMMUNITY
#ReadyorNot invites women of all ages to join the VIYA community for compassionate guidance in navigating reproductive health decisions.
SHARING IS CARING
#ReadyorNot urges sharing with friends and joining the supportive VIYA community navigating reproductive health choices together.
Let's Talk Pregnancy Termination
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.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions About Safe Pregnancy Termination
Is Abortion dangerous?
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.
What does the term "unsafe abortion" mean?
Even though a properly conducted abortion 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 abortion 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.
How will I know if an abortion has been successfil?
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 abortion.
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 abortion that needs to be treated by a medical professional
Is Abortion Illegal in Kenya?
No. Abortion 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 abortion-related arrests and prosecution illegal, concluding that abortion care was a fundamental right under the Constitution. The court added that protecting access to abortion 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 abortion care in Kenya.
Under what Conditions Should I Not Use Medical Abortion
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.)
How Can I be sure how long I have been pregnant?
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 abortion?
