Abortion Bill Sparks Intense Debate in Sierra Leone

by Team of Reformer 

Parliamentary proceedings to decriminalise abortion in Sierra Leone began today in a heated and emotionally charged environment, as lawmakers expressed sharply contrasting views on a subject many regard as contrary to African cultural values.

Some civil society groups have welcomed the government’s move to enact the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill, while others have formed a protest movement to block its passage.

Sources suggest that the division among civil society organisations may be influenced by alleged incentives provided to certain groups to secure their support for the legislation, leaving others feeling excluded.

Pro-life campaigners, largely from religious organisations, occupied the lower and upper galleries of Parliament, protesting with placards and chanting “No way!” against the proposed law.

The day’s session ended abruptly after lawmakers failed to agree on procedural matters, amid reports that the Speaker was summoned to State House for further deliberation.

The proposed law aims to legalise abortion up to 14 weeks of gestation in cases where complications pose a risk to the life of the pregnant woman or the unborn child. It also seeks to empower women with the right to choose whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy and to determine the number and spacing of their children.

Pro-choice advocates argue that women should have full autonomy over their bodies, including the right to make decisions regarding the foetus.

On the other hand, pro-life campaigners contend that abortion is a Western import and fundamentally opposes African and religious values. While they acknowledge exceptions for severe medical complications, they reject the idea of granting women unrestricted freedom to terminate pregnancies, which they view as a violation of the unborn child’s right to life.

The bill has gained significant backing from major civil society organisations but faces fierce opposition from religious groups such as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone and the Inter-Religious Council. These groups argue against the legislation on moral and biblical grounds, urging lawmakers to uphold traditional values and principles.

Tensions remain high as the debate continues, with no clear resolution in sight.