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The People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health Advocacy (PARHA) has called on the government to urgently pass the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health (SMRH) Bill 2024, citing its potential to significantly reduce maternal mortality rates in the country.
The appeal was made during a press conference held at the Centre for Accountability and the Rule of Law (CARL) conference hall in Freetown on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
PARHA, a coalition of organizations advocating for women’s reproductive health rights, emphasized that the bill, which has already received Cabinet approval, provides a critical legal framework for safeguarding safe motherhood and advancing reproductive health rights. It establishes healthcare standards and empowers women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
“The bill is not about promoting abortion but about ensuring access to safe, regulated options in cases such as rape or incest,” said Emmanuel Sattie, a representative of Amnesty International and a member of PARHA. “This is about protecting women and girls from unsafe, illegal abortions and ensuring they receive the care they need.”
The coalition commended the government for its efforts to raise awareness about the legislation but stressed the need for immediate action. They reminded President Julius Maada Bio of his pledge at the 10th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights (ACSHR), where he committed to ensuring the passage of the bill.
“My government has unanimously approved a safe motherhood bill that will include critical provisions to ensure the health and dignity of all girls and women of reproductive age in this country,” President Bio stated at the conference.
PARHA highlighted that the enactment of the SMRH Bill was a key campaign promise by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and urged the government to fulfill this commitment.
While the gazetting of the SMRH Bill 2024 is seen as progress, PARHA pointed to significant gaps in access to sexual and reproductive health services across Sierra Leone. The coalition called on the government to repeal discriminatory laws and policies that hinder access to these vital services for women and girls.
In partnership with Amplify Change, PARHA underscored that sexual and reproductive health is an essential human right and a foundation for gender equality. They warned that neglecting women’s reproductive health and rights would undermine broader efforts to reduce poverty, achieve equitable development, and promote social justice.
“Reproductive health allows individuals to have a safe, satisfying sex life and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to have children,” PARHA stated.
In their joint press release, PARHA outlined several demands for the government:
Pass the SMRH Bill – Uphold President Bio’s commitment to enact the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill.
Fulfill SLPP Manifesto Promises – Ensure the SMRH Bill aligns with the commitments outlined in the SLPP’s manifesto.
Combat Gender Inequality – Address systemic gender inequalities by decriminalizing restrictive reproductive health policies and promoting women’s rights.
The coalition concluded by emphasizing the importance of collective action to address maternal mortality and improve reproductive health. “Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services is beneficial for everyone and essential for achieving lasting social change,” they said.
The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill is now seen as a critical test of the government’s commitment to health and gender equality in Sierra Leone.
