US Withdraws Sh200 Million Aid from a Kenyan Clinic for Defying Trump's Policy on Abortion

The United States has cut Sh200 million aid to a Kenyan family planning clinic, Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK), for defying President Trump's policy on abortion, Washington-based National Public Radio (NPR) reported on Wednesday.

The facility lost 60 per cent of its budget for failing to conform to the Trump administration policy that forbids women's health providers from offering services related to abortion.

As a result, Family Health Options has shut down one of its 14 clinics and stopped some services at others facilities. FHOK reproductive health nurse Melvine Ouyo told the US radio network that the withdrawal of aid has led to some pregnant Kenyans seeking unsafe measures.

"Desperate to terminate unwanted pregnancies, these women and girls go to “curtain clinics” — clandestine settings that lack trained doctors and nurses," Ms Ouyo said. 

The facility may also be forced to terminate other services including HIV treatments, cancer screenings, post-natal care and vaccinations due to the $2 million budget cut.

"Deeply impoverished Kenyan women and girls are not seeking care from FHOK clinics because they are unable to pay the small fee the carer now charges to compensate for the loss of US funding," Ms Ouyo said.

Trump and other Republican presidents dating to the 1980s have used the so-called gag rule to impose their anti-abortion policies to developing nations. After assuming office,  Trump gave an order for the reinstatement of this rule, which had been revoked by his predecessor Barack Obama.