By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone (PFSL), which represents Pentecostal and Charismatic churches across all 16 districts of Sierra Leone, has officially opposed the proposed Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Healthcare Bill. In a press conference held at the Lord Is My Shepherd Church in Waterloo on January 7, 2025, PFSL articulated its position, emphasizing its duty to advocate for the values and beliefs of its constituency. The Fellowship firmly believes that Christians are called to uphold a culture of life, a principle deeply rooted in Scripture: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). They maintain that “abortion is alien to our culture and our religious values,” emphasizing the sanctity of life.
In their position paper, PFSL called on the Ministry of Health (MoH) to prioritize more pressing health concerns over the controversial bill, which they argue is creating unnecessary stress for both Parliament and the citizens of Sierra Leone. Citing the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response District Annual Report 2020 (MDSR, 2020), the Honorable Minister, Dr. Austin Demby, indicated that hundreds of pregnant women lose their lives annually due to preventable causes. Despite the presence of over 1,200 healthcare facilities, the report reveals that mothers and children still suffer from poor health outcomes and high rates of mortality.
The PFSL highlighted that many maternal deaths occur shortly after delivery and are directly related to the quality of healthcare provided. They contend that the government should focus its limited resources on addressing the six major causes of maternal mortality—obstetric hemorrhage, hypertension, obstructed labor, and sepsis—rather than diverting attention to abortion, which accounts for only 2.9% of maternal deaths. This perspective underscores their belief that prioritizing these urgent health issues would lead to significant improvements in outcomes for mothers and children.
Furthermore, PFSL criticized the government’s approach to maternal health, urging lawmakers to reconsider their priorities based on the realities presented in the MDSR report. They argue that external pressure to address abortion is misaligned with the actual needs of the population, which include improving healthcare quality and access. By focusing on preventive measures and enhancing the healthcare system, they believe the government can make a meaningful impact on maternal and child health.
The position paper, signed by PFSL President Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly and Vice President Rabbi Tambi Eric Mbayo, encapsulates the views of all 16 district chapters of the Fellowship. Through this statement, PFSL aims to influence policymakers and raise awareness about the critical health challenges facing women in Sierra Leone. They advocate for a focus on preventive care and the enhancement of healthcare quality, rather than legislation that they view as contrary to their cultural and religious values, reaffirming their commitment to preserving life in all its forms.
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