By Foday Moriba Conteh
Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, Deputy Minister of Health II, has made an impassioned plea to Members of Parliament, calling the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Healthcare Bill a bold commitment to every woman in Sierra Leone. Addressing Parliament, she emphasized that this landmark bill is not about politics; it’s about protecting lives and ensuring that women and girls across the nation can access the healthcare they deserve.
“This bill is a promise to every woman,” Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha declared. “It guarantees care before, during and after childbirth, ensuring no woman is left behind.”
At its core, the Safe Motherhood Bill seeks to provide free healthcare for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five. It prioritizes prenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal support and mental health services. Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha urged Parliamentarians to recognize the transformative potential of the bill, which aims to make essential medical care accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
“This is about breaking down barriers,” she explained. “It’s about ensuring that no woman faces discrimination or fear when seeking the care she needs to bring life into the world.”
One of the bill’s most pivotal provisions is its stance on safe termination of unwanted pregnancies. Sierra Leone’s existing laws, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha argued, are outdated and rigid, failing to account for pregnancies resulting from incest, rape or those that pose significant risks to the mother or child.
“Our current laws are not aligned with modern realities,” she said, pointing out that even countries like Tunisia, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have adapted their laws to address such challenges.
By legalizing safe termination within defined medical and professional guidelines, the bill seeks to reduce the staggering rates of unsafe abortions in the country, a leading cause of maternal death. “This isn’t just about providing options; it’s about saving lives,” the Deputy Minister asserted.
Beyond healthcare, the bill also focuses on education and empowerment for women and girls. Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha highlighted how access to reproductive healthcare, combined with education, can break the cycle of poverty and open doors to brighter futures.
“This bill is about more than survival,” she said. “It’s about empowerment. It’s about giving women and girls the tools they need to take control of their lives and their futures.”
As she concluded her address, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha left no doubt about the stakes involved. “This is not just another piece of legislation; it’s a lifeline,” she said. “It will stand the test of time and bring Sierra Leone closer to global standards.”
Her message to Parliament was clear: passing the Safe Motherhood Bill is not just a legal necessity but a moral imperative. It’s a chance to create a safer, healthier future for women, girls and families across the nation.
“The women of Sierra Leone are watching,” she said. “And they’re counting on us to deliver.”
