The Social Health Authority has confirmed that a marriage certificate is not required for teachers to access IVF services under its cover. The clarification came after a teacher was denied treatment due to an erroneous requirement listed in a denial message.
The Social Health Authority issued the clarification in a statement released by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on June 17. The statement read, “SHA wishes to clarify that a marriage certificate is not a requirement for accessing IVF services.” It added that the reference to the certificate in earlier communication was made in error and advised the hospital to resubmit the request.
A teacher had reported being told by the hospital that a marriage certificate or affidavit was needed after SHA denied pre-authorisation. Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers officials objected, noting the condition was never part of the negotiated cover. Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima said, “There is no condition that we have signed with SHA that you must have a marriage certificate or proof of marriage.”
National Gender Secretary Juliet Kimotho added that the contributor’s marital status is not SHA’s concern. The union plans to pursue the issue to ensure the policy is fully corrected.