The National Union of Muslim Students in Sierra Leone (NUMS-SL) has urged the government to reject the proposed Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Act 2024, citing concerns over conflicts with Islamic teachings and national values.

In a statement, NUMS-SL highlighted specific issues with the bill, including its provisions on abortion, contraceptive access, and minors’ rights to reproductive health services without parental consent. The union argues that these measures undermine Islamic principles, societal morals, and family structures.

Key Concerns Raised

Abortion Prohibition: NUMS-SL points out that Islam only permits abortion to save the mother’s life, referencing Quranic teachings on the sanctity of life.

Contraceptive Access: The union claims unrestricted access to contraceptives could promote promiscuity and erode societal values.

Parental Roles: Allowing minors to access reproductive health services without parental involvement is viewed as undermining family cohesion.

The organization also warns of potential risks, such as healthcare exploitation, ethical dilemmas for medical workers, and weak accountability measures.

Recommendations from NUMS-SL

NUMS-SL has proposed alternative solutions to improve maternal health without conflicting with Islamic teachings:

1. Collaboration with Religious Leaders: Engaging Islamic scholars to design policies that respect cultural and religious values.

2. Healthcare Improvements: Focusing on system enhancements and educational campaigns to reduce maternal mortality.

The union emphasized the importance of aligning governance with spiritual values to ensure national blessings and warned of the moral consequences of adopting the bill.

NUMS-SL has called on President Julius Maada Bio and Parliament to reject the bill in its current form and prioritize Sierra Leone’s moral and spiritual integrity.