By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) has issued a strong response to an article titled “Handmaidens of the Western Religious Extremists,” authored by A. Kamara and N. Assad of Purposeful and published in The Calabash on January 31, 2024. The article accused the Inter-Religious Council of opposing the Safe Motherhood Bill based on far-right religious extremism, a claim CCSL has refuted, emphasizing instead a commitment to cultural values and maternal health solutions.

In its statement, CCSL underscored the sensitivity of the Safe Motherhood Bill debate, highlighting that it extends beyond reproductive rights to include deeply rooted societal values, governance and health concerns. While acknowledging the urgent need to address maternal health issues in Sierra Leone, the Council stressed that any legislative solution must align with the nation’s cultural and religious heritage.

CCSL reaffirmed that Sierra Leone’s foundation is built upon strong cultural and religious principles that have guided the nation for generations. These values, it noted, emphasize the sanctity of life; not as remnants of colonial influence but as integral aspects of national identity reinforced by Christian and Islamic teachings.

"Protecting life from conception is not an act of oppression; it is an expression of compassion and respect for human dignity," CCSL stated.

While maternal mortality remains a pressing concern in Sierra Leone, the Council argued that the legalization of abortion is not the appropriate solution. Instead, it advocated for a more holistic and compassionate approach; one that safeguards both mother and child.

CCSL proposed significant investments in maternal healthcare services, ensuring that women across the country, especially in rural and underserved areas, have access to quality prenatal, childbirth and postnatal care. The Council emphasized the need to strengthen healthcare facilities and expand maternal health programs to reduce mortality rates effectively.

Additionally, it called for comprehensive sex education programs rooted in moral and religious principles to equip young people with the necessary knowledge and ethical guidance for responsible reproductive health decisions.

The Council dismissed claims that opposition to the Safe Motherhood Bill was influenced by external religious extremism. Instead, it framed its stance as a reaffirmation of Sierra Leone’s national sovereignty, cultural identity and moral agency.

"Rejecting the Safe Motherhood Bill is not about yielding to external influences, as critics suggest. Rather, it is a reaffirmation of our national sovereignty, cultural identity and moral agency as Sierra Leoneans," CCSL asserted.

The Council argued that framing the issue as a binary choice, supporting women or protecting the unborn, is misleading. Instead, it urged for balanced, ethical solutions that value both lives.

CCSL further highlighted the longstanding role of Christianity and Islam in providing maternal healthcare, counseling and women’s empowerment initiatives. It encouraged the Government and community stakeholders to build upon those efforts through collaborative partnerships aimed at improving maternal health services.

"We invite Purposeful and other proponents of the Safe Motherhood Bill to engage in meaningful, compassionate dialogue, one that prioritizes health, dignity and the value of life," CCSL stated.

The Council urged all parties involved to work toward culturally respectful and sustainable solutions that address Sierra Leone’s maternal health challenges without compromising its core values.

As the debate over the Safe Motherhood Bill continues, CCSL remains steadfast in advocating for an approach that upholds both the sanctity of life and the well-being of women. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to develop solutions that reflect the nation’s values while effectively addressing maternal health concerns.