Malawi’s Sexual and Reproductive Justice Network (SEJUN) has urged the government to start providing safe abortion services to victims of sexual violence, in light of the recent High Court ruling.
The call comes after the Malawi High Court's ruled recently that there is urgent need for comprehensive healthcare and reproductive rights for girls, particularly for those who fall victim to sexual violence.
The network has described the ruling as a step towards ensuring that victims of rape, incest, and defilement can access safe and legal abortion services as a vital component of their healthcare.
“The ruling by the Malawi High Court is a landmark moment for justice and rights for girls who are victims of defilement and incest in our nation," says Dr Godfrey Kangaude, the Chairperson of the Sexual Reproductive Justice Network (SEJUN).
SEJUN Co-Chairperson Miriam Chilemba says the High Court ruling is a huge relief that restores the dignity of minors who in the past were struggling to access safe abortion due to health facilities’ failure to full provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services as stated in the Gender Equality Act.
“"It is imperative that the Malawi government act swiftly to implement policies that protect the rights of sexual violence victims, ensuring they have access to safe abortion services. No girl should be forced to suffer further as a result of her defilement,” she explained.
National Coordinator for Religious Leaders Network for Choice, Rev. Cliff Nyekanyeka, welcomes the ruling and encourages the government to make sure that the ruling is enforced as soon as possible.
“We believe in safeguarding the dignity and integrity of all human beings who are created in the image of God. All religious denominations across the globe prohibit rape and stipulate punishment for perpetrators of the vice. If we truly believe that life is sacred, we should also recognise that a girl’s body is sacred. No one should be allowed to defile her sanctity, let alone force her to keep a pregnancy that she never planned to have,” said Rev. Nyekanyeka.
SEJUN urges all stakeholders, including government officials, Members of Parliament, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations, to collaborate on a framework that prioritises the health and safety of girls and women.
The High Court of Malawi, on October 28, 2025, ruled that girls who have experienced sexual violence are entitled to obtain safe abortions without any obstacles, in accordance with Section 19 of the Gender Equality Act.
The court observed that it is harsh and inhumane to insist that such a defiled girl keep the pregnancy if she desires to terminate it.
In the ruling, the judge states that the Gender Equality Act was enacted specifically to safeguard the sexual and reproductive health rights of individuals.
Sexual and Reproductive Justice Network (SEJUN) is a registered coalition of organisations that assert that everyone has the right to control their bodies, sexuality, and reproduction, free from discrimination, coercion, and violence.
The network’s current members are Centre for Solutions Journalism, Nyale Institute, Young Voices, Young Women Rise, Religious Leaders Network for Choice and Vital Rights Foundation.
