The Nyale Institute, an organisation that promotes sexual and reproductive health rights, has called for calm and respectful dialogue following a recent High Court ruling allowing girls and women who become pregnant through sexual violence to access safe abortion services.

The appeal is contained in a statement signed by the institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Godfrey Kangaude.

The statement comes amid heightened public debate after the High Court ruled in favour of a 14-year-old rape survivor in a case against the Ministry of Health and others.

The court found that denying the girl access to safe abortion violated her rights under the Gender Equality Act and the Constitution.

In its statement released today, Nyale Institute urged Malawians to appreciate the role of the judiciary and respect differing moral and religious viewpoints.

“If judges were to apply personal or religious beliefs, the justice system would descend into inconsistency and chaos. 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,” reads part of the statement.

Nyale Institute played a central role in providing legal support to the survivor throughout the case.