"Stigma Keeps Pregnant Teens in Kenya from Seeking Vital Healthcare Services"

In Kenya, social stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy prevents many adolescents from accessing essential health care services like prenatal care, jeopardizing their health and prenatal development.

• Wanjiru, a 17-year-old mother from Nairobi, exemplifies how social stigma around teenage pregnancy deters pregnant adolescents from seeking necessary health care services.
• The lack of access to prenatal care in Kenya is exacerbated by societal fears, leading to increased risks of complications such as preterm birth during pregnancy.
• Adolescents like Wanjiru often face judgment from both their families and healthcare providers, which further isolates them and impacts their prenatal development.