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The Fourah Bay College Muslim Jama’at has expressed strong opposition to the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill currently under debate in Parliament, specifically condemning a clause permitting women and girls to terminate pregnancies by choice.
In a press release issued recently, the Jama’at acknowledged the government’s efforts to promote safe motherhood but criticized Section 9(2)(ii) of the bill, stating it undermines societal morals and religious principles.
“We commend the efforts of the government to ensure safe motherhood; however, we are particularly concerned about the provision in Section 9(2)(ii) which permits women/girls to terminate pregnancy if they so choose,” the statement read.
The Jama’at argued that such provisions could negatively affect students, including those at Fourah Bay College, by diverting their focus from academics to what they called “opportunities to explore chances of abortion.”
Referring to Quranic teachings, the Jama’at emphasized that legalizing abortion contradicts Islamic beliefs and societal values rooted in morality. They cited Quran 5:32: “Whosoever has spared the life of a soul, it is as though he has spared the life of all people. Whoever has killed a soul, it is as though he has murdered all of mankind.”
The organization, established to promote Islamic values on campus, maintained its stance against abortion under any circumstances, asserting there is no justification for terminating a pregnancy.
“Children are gifts from Allah, and they should not be destroyed for any reason,” the release stated, urging lawmakers to let their decisions reflect moral and religious integrity.
The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill, aimed at improving maternal health and addressing reproductive health issues, has sparked controversy, with religious and societal groups voicing divergent opinions.
