The Coalition of Families Rights Defenders has strongly rejected “misinformation, and ideological attacks against Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).” Members of the Coalition urged the government to base national policy on scientific evidence, public health needs, and human rights obligations. In a press statement on Thursday, August 27, the Coalition said, it was responding to claims made during the Strengthening Families Conference held in Monrovia from June 19–20, 2026. The Coalition comprises human rights advocates, health professionals, educators, and youth representatives, The conference was used to promote “dangerous” misinformation about sexuality education. It argued that such claims could undermine programs designed to protect children, and young people from sexual abuse, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. The group described CSE as a rights-based, age-appropriate, and curriculum-led approach that addresses the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality. “CSE should not be viewed as an external imposition, but as part of modern public health and education systems to equip young people with accurate information, and skills to make informed decisions.” The Coalition cited United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) data indicating that 85 percent of 155 surveyed governments have policies, or laws relating to sexuality education. It also pointed to regional commitments in Africa, including frameworks endorsed by countries in Eastern, and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa. The group called Liberians to focus less on whether CSE should exist, and more on how it can be implemented in ways that are age-appropriate, culturally relevant, evidence-based, and responsive to health, and education needs. The Coalition further cited a February 2026 Afrobarometer report, which it said, showed majority support among Liberians for women’s autonomy in reproductive decisions, sexuality education in schools, and keep pregnant girls in school. It also highlighted maternal health, and sexual violence challenges as reasons for strengthening, rather than weakening, sexuality education. The coalition cited United Nations estimates placing Liberia’s maternal mortality ratio at approximately 742 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. It also referenced national health surveillance data reporting more than 150 maternal deaths in 2025. The statement further cited government figures showing that 2,759 rape cases were reported nationwide in 2024, with 1,902, or 68.7 percent, occurring in Montserrado County. Between January and September 2025, the coalition said, 1,735 rape cases had already been recorded.
The group also pointed to the high adolescent birth rate, estimated at about 130 births per 1,000 girls aged 15–19, arguing that the figures demonstrate the need for effective strategies to prevent unintended pregnancies and protect adolescents.
