Most Malawians support girls’ re-enrolment after pregnancy and women’s reproductive decision making, but oppose abortion

A special module in Afrobarometer’s 2024 survey in Malawi explores citizens’ opinions and experiences related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Findings show that Malawians overwhelmingly support woman’s autonomy in decisions about marriage and childbearing. They also strongly support allowing girls who become pregnant to continue their education, as well as the teaching of sexuality education in school. But views on unrestricted access to contraceptives are mixed: More than half of adults favour making them available regardless of marital status, but not regardless of age. And majorities oppose abortion even if the woman’s health or life is at risk and in cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.