By Muhammad Amaan
The Health Alert Sierra Leone (HASIL) has pushed for the passage of the Safe Motherhood, Reproductive Health Care Act in Sierra Leone.
Executive Director of HASIL, Victor Lansana Koroma stated this when he presented a position paper on the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Act, 2024, during a press conference aimed at addressing misconceptions surrounding the Bill, particularly among religious groups.
The legislation, which seeks to improve maternal health and reproductive rights, has ignited debate across the country.
In his address, Koroma highlighted the dire state of maternal health in Sierra Leone, underscoring the urgency of the Bill.
“Sierra Leone has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Every day, 3 to 4 women lose their lives to preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth,” he stated.
Behind these figures, he noted, lie personal tragedies, young girls unable to continue their education, families losing loved ones, and communities bearing the economic and emotional burden of these preventable deaths.
Mr Koroma revealed startling statistics, with 3,600 reported abortion cases and 96,000 induced abortions in 2023 alone.
Koroma stressed that the current restrictive laws surrounding abortion force women into unsafe and unregulated procedures, often with fatal consequences.
“Banning abortion does not stop it. Instead, it drives women to dangerous practices. This Bill offers a compassionate, regulated alternative that prioritizes saving lives,” he emphasized.
The proposed legislation aims to strengthen healthcare services for pregnant women, mothers, and children, ensuring access to prenatal care, safe deliveries, and postnatal support. It also seeks to provide free or affordable healthcare for vulnerable groups, addressing the disparities that marginalize many women and families.
Koroma described the Bill as a transformative opportunity:
“This is not just about healthcare; it is about justice, compassion, and the promise of a better tomorrow. It is a call to action for all of us to stand with the mothers and daughters of this nation.”
Additionally, the Bill addresses issues of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions, empowering women with access to life-saving services while reducing maternal mortality.
“This is not about encouraging abortion but about providing care during difficult moments. It is about dignity, support, and ensuring every woman’s life is valued,” Koroma explained.
The executive director urged Parliament to pass the Bill, calling it a critical step toward reducing maternal mortality, improving healthcare access, and empowering women and girls to achieve their full potential.
He also appealed to all Sierra Leoneans to engage in open, compassionate conversations on reproductive health, noting that collective action is essential for the Bill’s success.
Health Alert has committed to raising awareness about the Act and holding stakeholders accountable for its implementation. Koroma concluded by calling on lawmakers:
“Honourable Members of Parliament, by passing this Bill, you will send a powerful message to every woman in Sierra Leone that her life matters, her health is a priority, and her future deserves protection.”
The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Act, 2024, is viewed as a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s healthcare journey, offering hope for a future where every woman has access to quality healthcare and every child is born into a healthier, stronger nation.
