Malawi Nyale Institute Calls For Calm After High Court Abortion Ruling

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

The Nyale Institute for Sexual and Reproductive Health Governance has called for calm and respectful dialogue following a recent High Court ruling that allows girls and women who become pregnant as a result of sexual violence to access safe abortion services.

The case, AC (a Minor) versus Ministry of Health and Others, involved a 14-year-old rape survivor, with the court ruling that denying her access to abortion violated her rights under Malawi’s Gender Equality Act and the Constitution.

In a statement released today, the organisation’s Executive Director, Dr. Godfrey Kangaude, urged Malawians to understand the role of the courts and to respect differing moral and religious perspectives.

“If judges were to apply personal or religious beliefs, the justice system would descend into inconsistency and chaos,” said Dr. Kangaude.

He added that respect for the law must guide public debate on sensitive issues such as sexual violence and reproductive health. “No one should be forced to provide or undergo an abortion against their beliefs, just as no one should be denied essential care when the law entitles them to it,” said Dr. Kangaude, whose organisation supported the girl in taking the case to court.