On January 23, 2024, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio hosted a landmark meeting at State House to discuss the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill 2024, which is currently awaiting parliamentary approval.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, religious and traditional leaders, women’s organizations, civil society representatives, and other key voices.
In her presentation, Deputy Health Minister Jalikatu Mustapha outlined the critical importance of the bill, emphasizing its role in addressing women’s reproductive health needs, reducing teenage pregnancies, and aligning Sierra Leone with international obligations like the Maputo Protocol.
She highlighted the revisions made to accommodate concerns from the Inter-Religious Council and other stakeholders, calling the bill a testament to President Bio’s commitment to advancing women’s rights.
Hon. Abdulai Marray-Conteh, a member of Parliament, provided an update on the legislative process, revealing that the bill has passed two readings and is under review by the legislative committee. Of 18 position papers submitted, 16 supported the bill, while two opposed it. He noted efforts to engage religious leaders through detailed consultations, although he acknowledged divisions within Parliament.
Speaking on behalf of traditional leaders, Paramount Chief Mima Kajue called the bill a “good initiative” but noted that misinformation had clouded public understanding. She urged further sensitization efforts to clarify its provisions.
Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly, representing the religious community, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as limited consultation.
He also raised concerns about data accuracy in the Ministry of Health’s reports and claimed only half of their recommendations had been incorporated into the revised bill.
Dr. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim, speaking for women’s advocacy group 50/50, hailed the bill as a milestone for women’s rights. She praised President Bio’s leadership and urged him to ensure the bill’s passage, describing it as essential for protecting women’s autonomy and advancing gender equality.
Safiatu Tunis, representing the 72-member civil society coalition People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health Action (PARHA), reminded the President of his prior commitments to enacting the bill. She cited his remarks at the African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights and urged him to fulfill his promises to reduce maternal mortality.
Dr. Frances Wurie of the Sierra Leone Medical Women’s Association shared powerful firsthand accounts to highlight the bill’s importance. She recounted cases of young girls facing life-threatening pregnancies and emphasized the need for comprehensive reproductive health services to save lives.
In his keynote address, President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to women’s rights and health. He noted that his cabinet had already endorsed the bill after extensive debate, placing the responsibility on Parliament to act decisively.
“I have done all these things for women because I love women,” he declared, dismissing the misinformation surrounding the bill as unfounded.
The President stressed the necessity of allowing safe termination in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, or threats to the mother’s life, framing the bill as a lifesaving measure. “Pray that your daughter is not the victim of rape or a severe medical complication,” he said, underscoring the urgency of passing the legislation.
In a powerful conclusion, President Bio urged Parliament to finalize the bill, reminding legislators of their duty to enact transformative changes.
“We cannot do the transformative changes that are required if we are timid,” he said, calling for bold action to pass the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill.
