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The Inter-religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has expressed strong objections to the proposed Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill 2024, arguing that it conflicts with religious, ethical, and societal values while endangering women and society.
The council opposes abortion, asserting that life begins at conception and must be preserved according to Islamic and Christian teachings. It believes the bill promotes unrestricted abortion rights, violating the 1991 Constitution’s right to life and disregarding the sanctity of fetal life.
Key Objections to the Bill
- Right to Life: Abortion is viewed as murder, threatening both the fetus and the mother.
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Religious Freedom: Provisions against criticizing abortion may infringe on freedom of religion and expression.
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Family Values: The bill’s emphasis on individual autonomy in abortion decisions undermines parental and spousal roles.
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Promotion of Modern Sexuality: References to LGBTQIA+ ideologies contradict religious teachings.
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Healthcare System Strain: Liberalized abortion laws could overburden the under-resourced healthcare system, particularly in rural areas.
The IRCSL highlights that most African countries restrict abortion, citing failures in countries like Benin, Ethiopia, and South Africa, where unsafe abortions persist post-legalization. It also challenges claims linking unsafe abortions to maternal mortality, arguing that reliable data is limited in Sierra Leone.
The council warns that legalizing abortion may increase health risks such as infections, mental health issues, and societal challenges like family breakdown and poverty. It also fears a rise in sexually transmitted diseases due to increased promiscuity.
The IRCSL calls for revisions to the bill, advocating for improved maternal healthcare through better emergency obstetric care rather than liberalized abortion laws. It also urges broader consultations with religious leaders, medical experts, and civil society to align the legislation with Sierra Leone’s moral values, constitutional principles, and healthcare realities.
The IRCSL emphasizes the importance of preserving societal harmony, family stability, and the sanctity of life. It warns that the current draft risks undermining these principles and calls for a balanced approach to maternal healthcare reform.
