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hundreds of religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities, along with members of the Council of Churches and various religious organizations, On Tuesday January 7, 2025 gathered in Pujehun to protest against the proposed Safe Motherhood Bill.
The bill, which is currently under consideration by the Sierra Leonean government, aims to provide improved maternal health services but has faced significant opposition from local religious authorities.
During the rally, Rev. Edward Y. Kaillie, the Pujehun District Coordinator, addressed a large crowd at the Pujehun town’s Barry. He articulated the group’s strong stance against the bill, asserting that it contradicts the teachings of both the Bible and the Quran regarding the sanctity of life and the condemnation of abortion.
Citing scripture, he referenced Psalm 139:13-16, which speaks of divine creation, and Jeremiah 1:5, emphasizing that God knows individuals even before they are born. He also quoted Exodus 20:13, “You shall not murder,” and Luke 1:41-44, highlighting the spiritual significance of life in the womb.
Canon James Yambasu George, the District Coordinator of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, echoed these sentiments, explaining that concerns were raised when the Safe Motherhood Bill was introduced in Parliament last December. He warned that the bill could undermine the cultural values and moral fabric of the nation, pointing to the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah as a cautionary story about the consequences of immorality.
Sheikh Majid Kawa, the District Chief Imam, joined the protest, emphasizing unity among religious leaders in the campaign against the bill. He warned that disobedience to God’s laws could lead to national destruction and urged peace-loving Sierra Leoneans to voice their opposition to the bill. “Let us ensure that our parliamentarians do not pass this bill into law,” he stated.
Adding to the discussions, the District Mammy QueenQueen Madam Mamawa Kaikai expressed concern over the low turnout of women at the rally. She urged women to take the lead in the campaign against the Safe Motherhood Bill, noting that they are the ones who suffer the most from such legislative decisions. “Women are the suffering masses; their voices must be heard,” she asserted, calling on all women to raise their voices against the bill.
The rally concluded with a call to action for community members to unite in their opposition to the Safe Motherhood Bill, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural values and protecting the sanctity of life in Sierra Leone.
As the debate continues, the religious leaders remain steadfast in their mission to influence public opinion and legislative decisions regarding maternal health policies in the country.
