Pregnant Teens in Kenya's Low-Income Areas Avoid Health Care Because of Fear and Stigma

Abstract

The article on Pregnant teens in Kenya's low? income areas avoid health care because of fear and stigma examines how fear, shame, and stigma deter pregnant adolescent girls living in low?income urban informal settlements in Kenya from accessing essential antenatal care. Drawing on a qualitative study in Nairobi, the authors highlight that many girls delay or completely avoid care due to anticipated judgment and harsh treatment from health providers, along with community stigma and personal fears of disclosure, abandonment, or punishment. These barriers contribute to late initiation of antenatal care, despite the World Health Organization's recommendation for early and regular visits, putting both mothers and infants at higher risk of complications. The article argues that reducing stigma through community engagement, youth?friendly services, confidentiality, and increased awareness is essential to improve care uptake and maternal and newborn health outcomes among pregnant adolescents in these settings.