Freetown, March 2025 – Sierra Leone is currently debating a landmark bill to decriminalize abortion, aiming to curb the high rate of unsafe procedures that contribute to maternal deaths. The move has sparked intense debate between women’s rights advocates and religious groups, reflecting deep societal divisions on the issue.

Public Health Crisis and Legal Reform

Unsafe abortions account for approximately 10% of maternal deaths in Sierra Leone, a country with one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the world. Women and girls often resort to dangerous, unregulated procedures, putting their lives at risk due to restrictive abortion laws dating back to 1861.

The proposed bill would allow legal abortion up to 14 weeks of pregnancy and in cases of rape, incest, or threats to the mother’s life. However, strong opposition from religious and conservative groups has led to amendments restricting abortion access, limiting procedures to specific circumstances rather than broader legalization.

Opposition and Support

• Pro-choice advocates, including medical professionals and women’s rights organizations, argue that decriminalization would save lives by ensuring safe and regulated abortion services.
• Religious leaders and conservative groups oppose the bill, citing moral and ethical concerns, and advocating for stronger family planning measures instead of abortion.

Political Landscape and Future Outlook

Sierra Leone’s parliament is expected to vote on the bill in the coming weeks. If passed, it would mark a historic shift in the country’s reproductive health policies. However, continued pushback from religious groups and possible legal challenges could delay its implementation.

As the debate intensifies, women’s health advocates stress the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive health care, while opponents argue for alternative solutions to address teen pregnancies and maternal deaths.