A pivotal constitutional challenge against the nation’s abortion legislation reached its culmination in the High Court on World AIDS Day, December 1, marking the endpoint of a protracted 43-month legal journey. The proceedings unfolded with methodical legal arguments from both sides, absent of courtroom theatrics, leaving the matter now awaiting judicial determination.
The case, spearheaded by advocacy group ASPIRE, encountered numerous procedural obstacles since its initial filing on April 18, 2024. Government attorneys employed successive delaying tactics, including the remarkable assertion that the legislation currently being enforced had supposedly been repealed in 1995—a claim unanimously dismissed by the Court of Appeal on February 28, 2025.
With the constitutional question now before the High Court, ASPIRE emphasizes that the waiting period must not be passive. The organization outlines a comprehensive strategy focusing on educational reform regardless of the judicial outcome. Central to this mission is the transformation from criminalization and punishment toward legalization and education, particularly through strengthening Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) programs.
Current regional educational standards fall significantly short of international benchmarks for comprehensive sexuality education. ASPIRE’s initiative calls for collaborative efforts with educators to develop improved curricular materials, alongside engaging parents who currently demonstrate low rates (5-10%) of discussing sexuality with their children. Additional outreach to religious leaders aims to reduce stigma while reinforcing positive moral messaging about sexuality.
The proposed paradigm shift moves from a reactive “Accident and Emergency” model to a preventive framework of “Access and Education.” Empirical evidence consistently demonstrates that comprehensive sex education delays sexual debut, countering concerns that such education might encourage premature sexual activity. With approximately 70 schools and 90 churches within the state, ASPIRE envisions substantial societal transformation through committed implementation of these educational reforms.