PROCMURA, CCSL & Partners Hold Two-Day Workshop On The Implications Of The Safe Motherhood Bill

By Donald Theo-Harding
In a bid to foster informed national dialogue around the proposed Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill, Programme for Christian and Muslim relations in Africa (PROCMURA)), in collaboration with the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), Side by Side Sierra Leone Chapter, and the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, held a two-day sensitization workshop on Tuesday 15th April, 2025. Themed “Protecting Life and Family: Understanding the Implications of the Proposed Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill,” the event brought together religious leaders, civil society actors, lawmakers, medical professionals, and international partners at the CCSL Hall, Kingharman Road in Freetown.
The high-level engagement was aimed at critically analyzing the proposed bill, raising awareness on its potential implications, and mobilizing moral and faith-based perspectives to contribute to national legislative processes. The workshop attracted participants from across Sierra Leone and neighboring countries, emphasizing the regional significance of the topic under discussion.
Welcoming participants the Secretary General of the Council of Churches Sierra Leone, Mrs. Kezia Kargbo acknowledged all on behalf of the Steering Committee noting that life is a gift from God and prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom throughout the deliberations.
Representing Sierra Leone’s Parliament was Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawally, Deputy Whip of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for Bombali District. In her remarks, she lauded the organizers for hosting a timely and significant conversation. She emphasized that the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill, currently before the 6th Parliament, is not merely a legal document but a matter that touches the core of national identity, societal values, and human dignity.
“As a lawmaker,” she said, “I view this bill not only as a piece of legislation but as a policy that has implications for the lives of women, children, families, and the very fabric of our society.” She noted that it is imperative for faith-based institutions and leaders to understand the content and consequences of the bill, especially in relation to moral values and long-standing religious teachings.
Hon. Tarawally further emphasized the need for all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the legislative process, adding that reproductive health issues are deeply rooted in social, cultural, and moral dimensions. She called on participants to balance the need to reduce maternal mortality with upholding the sanctity of life and family values. “The goal,” she said, “is to ensure that policies reflect our collective values while protecting the vulnerable and advancing healthcare systems.”
Rev. Bernadette Massaquoi, Programme Coordinator for PROCMURA, provided an insightful overview of the organization’s mission. PROCMURA, the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa, is the only pan-African Christian organization focused on constructive Christian-Muslim engagement for peace and coexistence. Rev. Massaquoi reiterated PROCMURA’s opposition to the legalization of abortion, aligning with Christian ethical and moral principles that affirm the sanctity of life.
Quoting Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” – Rev. Massaquoi insisted that human life, both before and after birth, must be protected. She acknowledged that while maternal mortality is a major concern, the solution must not be the legalization of abortion. Instead, she urged stakeholders to explore more ethical alternatives that protect both mother and child.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Kakeeto Richard of the Africa Bar Association, Kenya, who echoed concerns about the proposed bill’s moral and constitutional implications. He challenged religious leaders to remain vigilant and sensitive to clauses in the bill that could “erode religious freedom and compromise moral values.” He described the bill as “unjust” and warned that it undermines long-standing family structures and faith-based convictions.
Adding her voice to the conversation, Madam Miatta Sirleaf, Executive Director of Church Aid Incorporated from Liberia, spoke passionately about the cross-border threat the bill could pose. She warned that similar legislative trends in West Africa threaten to destroy regional, cultural and religious values. “This is not just a problem for Sierra Leone and Liberia,” she said, “it is a challenge to our collective identity in West Africa.” She said the Bill is a means of foreign aid to control our culture and traditions. She encouraged religious leaders to stand firm in defending their moral and cultural heritage.
Dr. Christian Bell, a seasoned gynecologist with over four decades of experience, delivered one of the workshop’s most gripping presentations. Speaking graphically on the medical and psychological consequences of abortion, he described the procedure as not only harmful to the unborn child but often traumatic for the mother. He urged attendees to consider the long-term societal and health impacts of normalizing abortion under the guise of reproductive rights.
Other key speakers included representatives from the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, FOCUS1000, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone. Each emphasized the need for interfaith collaboration in advocating for policies that reflect the shared values of Sierra Leone’s diverse religious communities.
Chairing the event was Rev. Henry Samuels, President of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, who underscored the importance of unity in safeguarding life and family. He praised the participants for their openness and commitment to constructive dialogue. Rev. Samuels called on religious leaders to continue engaging communities, parliamentarians, and policymakers to ensure that laws are guided by a moral compass.
The two-day workshop is expected to culminate in the development of a faith-based position paper on the proposed Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill. Key areas of discussion include the legal implications of the bill, Christian and Islamic perspectives on pro-life advocacy, strategies for promoting a culture of life, and a broader analysis of the bill in the context of Sierra Leone’s national healthcare and legislative priorities.
As Sierra Leone continues to grapple with high maternal mortality rates and reproductive health challenges, the workshop provided a timely platform for reflection, education, and advocacy. Organizers hope the event will contribute meaningfully to a more informed, ethical, and inclusive approach to maternal healthcare legislation in the country.
In a statement summarizing the atmosphere at the close of the day, one participant said, “This is more than just about a bill; it’s about who we are as a people – our values, our faith, our future.”
The sensitization workshop not only illuminated the multifaceted issues embedded in the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill but also reignited the collective resolve of religious and civil society actors to uphold life, family, and moral integrity in Sierra Leone.

Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawally, Deputy Whip of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for Bombali District

(L-R) Rev Henry Samuels President – CCSL, Mrs. Kezia Kargbo- CCSL General Secretary, Madam Miatta Sirleaf, Executive Director of Church Aid Incorporated from Liberia, Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawally, Deputy Whip of the Opposition and Member of Parliament

(L-R) Dr. Christian Bell and Mr. Kakeeto Richard of the Africa Bar Association, Kenya

Rabi Tamba Mbayoh – Giving the Christian perspective on Pro-Life

Sheikh Ibrahim Sesay – Giving the Islamic perspective on Pro-Life