Freetown, Sierra Leone By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh — The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has published a position paper rejecting the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill 2024, citing profound ethical, religious, and constitutional concerns. The council argues the proposed legislation undermines the sanctity of life, contradicts religious teachings, and risks social and medical instability.
The IRCSL's position revolves around three core arguments:
1. Sanctity of Life: The council asserts that life begins at conception, emphasizing religious teachings from both Christianity and Islam, which prohibit abortion except when a mother’s life is in immediate danger. The bill’s provisions for liberalized abortion and women’s autonomy in reproductive health decisions are seen as threats to moral and constitutional values.
2. Constitutional Violations: The IRCSL claims the bill violates Sierra Leone's 1991 Constitution, particularly the right to life outlined in Chapter III, Section 16. It also criticizes the bill for potentially eroding freedoms of conscience, religion, and expression.
3. Health and Societal Risks: According to the position paper, legalizing abortion could strain Sierra Leone’s limited healthcare infrastructure and exacerbate issues like family breakdown, increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases, and unsafe medical practices.
The council identified several contentious clauses in the bill:
Authorization of abortions up to 14 weeks and beyond under certain conditions, including mental health considerations.
Provisions allowing minors to seek abortions without parental consent.
Removal of legal restrictions on abortion under the Offences Against the Person Act and the Pharmacy and Drugs Act.
Promotion of "sexual and reproductive health services," which the council claims could foster promiscuity and undermine traditional values.
The position paper highlights that most African nations restrict abortion, with exceptions only in extreme circumstances. The IRCSL notes that countries like Nigeria and Liberia have resisted similar liberalization efforts. The council also argues that countries with strict abortion laws, such as Poland and Malta, have better maternal health outcomes than nations with liberal policies.
The IRCSL urges Parliament to reject the bill and instead amend the existing Offences Against the Person Act of 1861 to strengthen protections for mothers under specific conditions. It also calls for public consultation, involvement of medical professionals, and respect for traditional and religious values in shaping reproductive health policies.
The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill 2024 remains a polarizing issue, with debates expected to intensify as Parliament deliberates on the legislation.
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