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The U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone has refuted allegations circulating on social media that the U.S. government is influencing the passage of the controversial Safe Motherhood Act currently under consideration in Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
In an official statement, the Embassy clarified that the United States has not engaged with the Government of Sierra Leone, either publicly or privately, regarding the content or provisions of the proposed legislation.
“U.S. development assistance to Sierra Leone, including support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), is not contingent on the passage or non-passage of the Safe Motherhood Act,” the Embassy stated.
The proposed legislation, which has sparked intense public debate, aims to address maternal health issues in Sierra Leone. However, critics allege that its provisions could have broader implications for reproductive rights in the country.
The Embassy emphasized that the Safe Motherhood Act is a domestic matter, saying, “The content of the legislation under consideration is an internal issue for the people of Sierra Leone to decide.”
The clarification comes amid growing speculation that external actors might be influencing the legislative process. The Embassy’s statement aims to dispel these rumors and reaffirm the United States’ position of non-involvement in the matter.
The Safe Motherhood Act remains a divisive issue in Sierra Leone, with advocacy groups and lawmakers engaged in heated discussions over its potential impact.
