Nyale Institute shares an update on the recent High Court ruling in the case of AC (a minor). The Court ruled that a 14-year-old girl who survived rape had the right to access safe abortion care under Malawi’s laws.
In our statement, we highlight that the ruling protects key human rights, especially the rights of girls and women to receive safe and legal health services. We also note that this decision has sparked national discussions, and we encourage Malawians to engage in these conversations with respect, as people hold different beliefs about abortion.
Nyale Institute stresses that the Court examined only the legal issues. The judgment was not based on religious or personal beliefs. We remind the public that everyone has the right to their own conscience and viewpoints.
We also call on policymakers to create laws that protect both freedom of belief and access to lawful healthcare.
Nyale Institute, with financial and technical support from the Center for Reproductive Rights, facilitated bringing the matter to Court, where it was litigated by Mlauzi Legal Solutions. Other partners who supported the case include the Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) and Afya na Haki.
The full press statement is available below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D8BWXH-U8KwkrGolyoXuNQvuAvaAjBDd/view?usp=sharing
