By Alhaji Haruna Sani
Tripartite battle: Bishop Tamba Charles,Pastor Francis Mambu and Chernoh Bah,Informtaion Minister
The ongoing debate surrounding the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill 2024 has sparked significant controversy, with religious leaders and the government offering differing accounts of the dialogue and proposed amendments to the bill.
Pastor Francis Mambu, a prominent religious leader, has refuted claims made by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education that he accepted proposed modifications to the bill.
Pastor Mambu clarified that during a January 2, 2025, meeting with government officials and the Parliamentary Legislative Committee; he only delivered a vote of thanks and did not endorse any amendments.
He emphasized that religious leaders had submitted a position paper and are currently reviewing the proposed changes. “My position on the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill remains unchanged until we conclude our review,” Pastor Mambu stated, urging the public to disregard the Ministry’s claims as false.
Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, Chair of the Catholic Bishops in Sierra Leone and President of the Interreligious Council, also dismissed similar statements by the Ministry.
He noted that religious leaders are still studying the proposed amendments and have yet to reach a collective position. “It would be improper to claim that religious sensibilities have been accommodated without our formal response,” the Archbishop said, urging the public to disregard the Ministry’s statement.
The Catholic Church had earlier outlined its reservations about the bill, stating that it contradicts the principles of human rights and poses moral and ethical challenges. Key concerns raised by the Church include human rights contradictions, the church arguing that the bill undermines the dignity of women by legalizing abortion and imposing directives that conflict with its purported human rights advocacy.
The Catholic Church also called for greater focus on improving healthcare facilities and education rather than promoting contraceptives, which fail to address maternal mortality’s root causes among others.
In response to the backlash, the Ministry of Information acknowledged the concerns raised by religious leaders and clarified its earlier communication. The Ministry admitted that its statements may have created a false impression of Archbishop Tamba Charles’ endorsement of the proposed amendments.
“The Ministry remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders,” a statement read. It called on religious leaders and other parties to continue engaging constructively to ensure a balanced resolution that respects Sierra Leone’s diverse values.
As discussions on the Safe Motherhood Bill continue, both sides remain steadfast in their positions. Parliament may weigh the differing perspectives in deciding the fate of the bill.
