1 Comment
The Catholic Church in Sierra Leone has raised significant concerns over the proposed Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Act of 2024, urging parliamentarians to carefully consider the moral and societal implications of the bill.
In a strongly worded statement signed by four Catholic Bishops, the Church outlined its reservations, calling for a re-evaluation of the legislation to ensure it aligns with the values of human dignity, healthcare equity, and ethical practice.
Addressing Sierra Leone’s lawmakers, the bishops implored parliamentarians to approach the legislation with “care, prudence, and a proper use of conscience,” emphasizing their responsibility to future generations. They reminded lawmakers of a similar bill tabled seven years ago, which gained parliamentary approval but failed to become law after former President Ernest Koroma declined to sign it due to pressure from the Inter-Religious Council and concerned citizens.
Conflicting Human Rights Principles- The Catholic Church argues that the bill contradicts the human rights it claims to promote. While framed as empowering reproductive health, the legislation is viewed by the Church as undermining the dignity and autonomy of women by legalizing abortion and granting women the right to make decisions about unborn children.
The bishops drew attention to Sierra Leone’s recent abolition of the death penalty, framing the proposed bill as inconsistent with the country’s commitment to protecting human life. “If we abolished the death penalty as a human rights achievement, how can we now consider legislation that allows the termination of innocent unborn lives?” the statement questioned.
Focus on Healthcare Access, Not Contraception- The Church criticized the bill’s emphasis on contraceptives, arguing that it diverts attention from the systemic healthcare challenges faced by women in Sierra Leone. They highlighted the need for increased access to healthcare facilities, skilled birth attendants, and comprehensive obstetric care as key factors in reducing maternal mortality.
“Promoting contraceptives does not address the root causes of maternal health challenges,” the bishops stated, advocating for investments in quality healthcare and education as more sustainable solutions.
Protection of Conscience Rights- The bishops raised concerns about the absence of protections for healthcare providers with ethical or religious objections to certain services outlined in the bill. The Church argued that failing to safeguard the conscience rights of healthcare workers could undermine the moral integrity of medical practice in Sierra Leone.
“Respecting the rights of healthcare providers is essential for a just and ethical healthcare system,” they emphasized.
Risks of Increased Abortions- The Church warned that the bill’s promotion of unrestricted reproductive choices could lead to an increase in abortion rates. By encouraging reliance on contraceptives, the bishops argued, the bill risks fostering a false sense of security, leading to riskier sexual behavior and a higher likelihood of unplanned pregnancies.
“The normalization of abortion is not a path we should tread as a society,” the bishops cautioned.
A Call for Dialogue and Reevaluation- In their statement, the Catholic Church urged Parliament to re-evaluate the bill and instead prioritize comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of maternal health issues. They advocated for policies that emphasize human dignity, equitable healthcare access, and education to ensure meaningful progress in reproductive health.
The Church reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to develop policies that enhance the health and well-being of all Sierra Leoneans.
The statement was signed by Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles (Archbishop of Freetown), Bishop Charles A.M. Campbell (Bishop of Bo), Bishop Henry Aruna (Bishop of Kenema), and Bishop Bob John H. Koroma (Bishop of Makeni), reflecting the unified stance of the Catholic Church leadership in Sierra Leone.
As Parliament prepares to deliberate on the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Act of 2024, the Catholic Church’s concerns add a significant voice to an ongoing national debate about the future of reproductive health policies in the country.
Source: Awoko
My regards to the bishops of Catholic church of Sierra Leone. I love your stand by highlighting the love and being in obedience to the voice of God.
It was this government that stood against the death penalty and it was agreed and enacted. Today, is another troubling time if the parliament stands out and debate to pass an Act that will favour the killing of the babies. It is as if, death penalty is coming back to action.
Your Excellency, Dr
Julius Madaa Bio, I’m pleading with you not to sign this act as former president did. It is against God’s injunctions to destroy any life.
RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN THE PARLIAMENT OF SIERRA LEONE, PLEASE LET’S STAND OUT AND OBEY GOD’S WORD AND KNOW THAT WHATEVER WE DO HERE ON EARTH, JUDGEMENT DAY IS WAITING FOR US.