By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Julius Maada Bio has passionately called on Sierra Leone’s Parliament to urgently pass the Safe Motherhood Bill, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding women’s health and rights. The President made this appeal during a significant meeting on Thursday January 23, 2025 at State House with key stakeholders, including Government officials, religious and traditional leaders, civil society representatives and women’s rights groups.
The President expressed frustration over the ongoing opposition to the bill, which he described as being subject to “unfair grandstanding and misinformation.” He stressed that as a secular state, it was Parliament’s duty to make bold decisions and pass the bill. “Pray that your daughter is not the victim of rape or a severe medical complication that requires a safe termination procedure; that is when you will understand the importance of this bill,” President Bio declared with conviction.
The Safe Motherhood Bill seeks to address critical reproductive health issues, offering women the right to access safe and comprehensive healthcare, including termination in cases of rape, incest and life-threatening medical conditions. The President reiterated his commitment to improving the lives of women in Sierra Leone, stating that 2025 has been declared a “year of bold actions.”
Honorable Abdul Marray Conteh, the Leader of the Legislative Committee, provided an update on the legislative process. He reported that the bill had undergone two readings and was now under further review by the committee. Of the 18 position papers submitted, 16 were in support of the bill, while two expressed opposition. Hon Abdul Marray Conteh highlighted that Parliament had engaged in numerous consultations to incorporate the concerns of critics, including religious leaders.
Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, Deputy Minister of Health, presented a compelling case for the bill, stressing its importance in advancing women’s rights and reducing maternal mortality. She noted that significant changes had been made to address concerns raised by religious leaders and the bill now reflects a more balanced approach. Religious leaders, including Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly, acknowledged these revisions, with Sam-Jolly stating that 50% of their concerns had been addressed.
The bill is expected to reach the plenary next week for a final debate and vote, following extensive consultations led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
During the meeting, various stakeholders voiced their strong support for the bill. PC Mima Kajue, representing traditional leaders, described the bill as “good” but stressed the need for more engagement to combat misinformation. Dr. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim, representing the 50/50 Group, expressed her gratitude to the President for advocating for women’s rights and called the bill a critical step toward protecting women’s bodily autonomy.
Safiatu Tunis, speaking on behalf of the civil society coalition People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health Action (PARHA), reminded the President of his previous commitments to pass the bill and reduce maternal mortality. Dr. Frances Wurie, representing the Sierra Leone Medical Women’s Association, shared personal stories of women facing life-threatening pregnancies, underscoring the importance of the bill in providing women with the option of a safe termination in critical situations.
In his keynote address, President Bio reiterated his commitment to improving women’s healthcare and reducing maternal mortality. “I have done all these things for women, because I love women,” he declared. The President emphasized that the bill was about saving lives, particularly in instances of rape, fetal abnormalities and when the life of the mother is at risk. He concluded with a direct message to Parliament, urging legislators to pass the bill and not shy away from necessary reforms for the betterment of the country.
“We cannot do the transformative changes that are required if we are timid,” President Bio urged.
