Sierra Leone Abortion Debate: Will Decriminalization Save Lives?
Abortion remains a contentious issue in Sierra Leone, where lawmakers are debating a bill that could decriminalize the procedure. The proposed Safe Motherhood Bill aims to reduce maternal deaths by legalizing abortion and expanding reproductive healthcare access. With one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates globally, the stakes are high for women and girls in this West African nation.
Currently, abortion is illegal in all circumstances, forcing thousands to resort to unsafe methods. Activists argue that decriminalization will save lives, while religious leaders oppose the bill, calling it against traditional values. As parliament prepares to vote, the nation remains deeply divided.
The debate comes at a critical time, with Sierra Leone facing alarming maternal mortality rates. Supporters of the bill say unsafe abortions contribute to 10% of these deaths. If passed, Sierra Leone would become only the second West African country to decriminalize abortion, marking a major shift in reproductive rights.
The Hidden Crisis: Unsafe Abortions in Sierra Leone
Every year, an estimated 90,000 women and girls in Sierra Leone attempt to terminate pregnancies illegally. Many use dangerous methods like expired pills, sharp objects, or toxic chemicals. These unsafe practices lead to severe complications, including hemorrhaging, infections, and death.
Fatou Esther Jusu, now 21, survived a self-induced abortion at 16. She took misoprostol bought from a pharmacy, but it failed. After a second attempt, she miscarried and nearly died. “I was lucky,” she said. “A friend of mine didn’t make it.” Stories like hers highlight the urgent need for legal reform.
Healthcare workers see the devastating consequences daily. Nurse Hawanatu Samura recalls a 13-year-old who nearly died after taking unknown pills. “People prefer to die silently because of stigma,” she said. Without legal options, women and girls risk their lives in secrecy.
The Safe Motherhood Bill: A Controversial Solution
The proposed bill would allow abortion in cases of rape, incest, life-threatening risks, or fatal fetal abnormalities. Initially, it included access up to 14 weeks, but religious opposition led to stricter amendments. President Julius Maada Bio introduced the bill in 2022, framing it as a progressive step for women’s rights.
Opponents, including religious leaders, argue the bill contradicts moral values. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles called it “ungodly,” while some lawmakers claim teen pregnancy statistics are exaggerated. Yet, health officials insist the law is necessary to stop preventable deaths.
If passed, the bill would also expand family planning services. Activists warn that without it, women will continue to suffer. “If you aren’t listening to doctors, who are you listening to?” asked lawyer Nicky Spencer-Coker, a longtime reproductive rights advocate.
A Nation Divided: Religion vs. Healthcare
Religious groups hold significant influence in Sierra Leone, shaping public opinion on abortion. The Inter-Religious Council has strongly opposed the bill, citing U.S. abortion restrictions as justification. Meanwhile, medical professionals argue that criminalization does not stop abortions—it only makes them deadlier.
Some politicians, like lawmaker Rebecca Yei Kamara, claim traditional education prevents teen pregnancies. Yet, data shows over 20% of girls aged 15-19 get pregnant, one of the highest rates globally. The government insists the bill aligns with recent reforms, including a ban on child marriage.
The debate has also sparked accusations of foreign interference. Some conservative U.S. media claim the bill is “Biden-backed,” while religious leaders reference American abortion laws. The U.S. embassy denies involvement, but the controversy further fuels division.
What Happens Next?
The government expects a parliamentary vote in the coming weeks. If approved, Sierra Leone will join a small group of African nations with progressive abortion laws. If rejected, unsafe abortions will continue, and maternal deaths may rise.
For women like Fatou Esther Jusu, the bill represents hope. “This mistake saved others,” she said, reflecting on her ordeal. Healthcare workers like Nurse Samura also await change, remembering patients who didn’t survive. “I wish the bill had passed sooner,” she said.
As Sierra Leone’s abortion debate reaches a climax, the world watches. Will the country prioritize women’s health, or will tradition prevail? The answer could determine the fate of thousands.
