Debating the Safe Abortion Bill

The Safe Abortion Bill was passed unanimously by the people's representatives in Parliament in December 2015. The President, after last-minute lobbying by some religious leaders, refused to sign the Bill and sent it back to Parliament.

Today, some religious leaders presented information to a Parliamentary Committee and urged other "anti-Bill" followers to demonstrate. On the other hand, supporters of the Bill - women's groups, men's associations, CSOs, NGOs, etc., came out to demonstrate their support for the passing of the Bill.

What's astounding to me is the "sameness" of the arguments presented... same as the U.S., Canada, South Africa, U.K., other African countries, etc. These and many other countries have wrestled with the moral, health, development and legal arguments before... and it's clear that countries that have a law regulating abortions have better human rights records, better maternal health statistics, more development for women and children... and ultimately a better society. I just don't see the necessity to re-hash all of these arguments...

Let's just get on with it... make Sierra Leone a better place for women and children... But, this is Sierra Leone...

These pictures are from the rallies at Parliament...