Sierra Leone’s proposed Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health (SMRH) bill, which aims to legalize abortion, has sparked intense debate among citizens, religious leaders, and policymakers. While some view it as a necessary step to protect women's health, others strongly oppose it on moral and religious grounds.

Divided Opinions on the Bill

The bill, currently under discussion in the country's House of Representatives, has faced resistance from religious groups, who see it as contrary to their beliefs. At the same time, some citizens and medical professionals argue that legalizing abortion would reduce unsafe procedures that contribute to Sierra Leone’s high maternal mortality rate.

Statistics indicate that the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. In 2022, maternal deaths dropped to 76 per 1,000 live births, but the overall maternal mortality ratio remained high at 717 deaths per 100,000 live births. Some experts believe that providing safe and legal abortion options could help improve these numbers.

Citizens Share Their Views

Sarah Turay, a 27-year-old mother from Freetown, acknowledges the complexity of the issue. While she recognizes the dangers of abortion, she also believes that many women resort to it due to difficult circumstances. She encourages individuals to practice safe sex or abstinence to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

On the other hand, Amadu S. Koroma, a fuel pump attendant, supports the bill, arguing that it would empower women to make their own reproductive choices. He believes that since some men abandon their responsibilities, women should have the right to decide whether to continue a pregnancy.

Local nurse Saffiatu Bah opposes the bill, equating the legalization of abortion with the legalization of harmful substances. She argues that making abortion accessible would encourage unsafe sexual behavior.

Gender expert Mohamed Nasiru Bawor sees the bill as essential, emphasizing that unsafe abortions will continue regardless of the law. He believes legalizing abortion would provide safer medical alternatives and protect women from dangerous procedures.

Religious Leaders Strongly Oppose Legalization

The Sierra Leone Interreligious Council, composed of Christian and Muslim leaders, has expressed firm opposition to the bill, stating that abortion—whether legal or illegal—is unacceptable in their faiths. Some leaders warn that passing the bill could bring divine punishment upon the nation.

Pastor Umaro Koroma calls the proposal "evil" and insists there is no such thing as a "safe" abortion. Similarly, Sheikh Gibril Bangura acknowledges that while Islam generally forbids abortion, certain medical conditions could justify it, especially if the mother’s life is at risk.

Government's Perspective

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has responded to the debate by urging religious groups and citizens to consider the bill’s potential benefits. The ministry argues that legalizing abortion could help protect women’s health and prevent unnecessary deaths caused by unsafe procedures.

What’s Next?

As discussions continue, the government faces the challenge of balancing public health concerns with religious and moral objections. Negotiations will be crucial in determining whether the bill becomes law and how it is received by the wider population.