Challenges To Women’s Reproductive Rights in Sierra Leone

By Abdul Rahman Bah

Women’s reproductive health in Sierra Leone remains a deeply complex issue, shaped by cultural norms, restrictive laws, and persistent advocacy. While the country has made strides in promoting gender equality, challenges such as female genital mutilation (FGM), unsafe abortions, and high maternal mortality rates continue to threaten the health and rights of women. Legal reforms have been introduced to address these issues, but societal resistance and lack of enforcement hinder progress. FGM remains alarmingly prevalent, with an estimated 83% of women aged 15 to 49 having undergone the procedure. This harmful practice, often performed without anesthesia or medical supervision, leads to lifelong physical and psychological consequences, including severe bleeding, infections, complications during childbirth, and even death. Despite growing awareness of its dangers, FGM is deeply entrenched in cultural traditions, and there is still no national law explicitly banning it. Advocacy groups continue to push for legal measures to criminalize the practice and protect young girls from undergoing this traumatic procedure. Restrictive abortion laws further compound the struggles women face in Sierra Leone. The country’s abortion regulations, which date back to 1861, permit the procedure only when the mother’s life is at risk. This outdated and restrictive legal framework forces many women to seek unsafe abortion methods, a leading cause of maternal mortality. In 2015, the Safe Abortion Act was passed by Parliament to provide women with access to safe abortion services, but the bill was never signed into law, due to opposition from religious and conservative groups. As a result, thousands of women continue to risk their lives through unsafe procedures. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the government is considering the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill of 2024. This proposed legislation seeks to legalize abortion up to 14 weeks for any reason, and beyond that, for specific medical and humanitarian circumstances. If enacted, it would be a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s reproductive health landscape, providing women with greater autonomy over their bodies and reducing preventable maternal deaths. However, the bill faces stiff resistance from conservative factions, underscoring the challenges of balancing reproductive rights with deeply rooted societal beliefs. In addition to abortion rights, Sierra Leone has made progress in promoting gender equality through the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, passed in January 2023. This landmark legislation aims to improve women’s representation in leadership roles, ensure equal pay, and protect women from gender-based violence. While the act represents a major step forward, implementation remains a challenge, particularly in rural communities, where traditional gender norms still dominate. Many women continue to face systemic barriers to education, employment, and healthcare access, limiting their ability to fully exercise their rights. Maternal mortality remains one of Sierra Leone’s most pressing public health concerns. The country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with many women dying due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Limited access to skilled birth attendants, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and poverty contribute to these preventable deaths. Teenage pregnancies further exacerbate the problem, as many young girls lack access to reproductive education and family planning services. Without comprehensive sex education and increased access to contraception, adolescent girls remain vulnerable to early pregnancies, which often derail their education and economic prospects. Despite the progress made through legislative efforts, significant work remains in ensuring that women’s reproductive rights are fully protected and accessible. Strengthening legal frameworks, increasing healthcare investments, and expanding community-based education programs are essential to addressing the deep-rooted challenges facing women’s health in Sierra Leone. Advocacy groups, policymakers, and international organizations must work together to break down barriers and create a society where women can make informed choices about their reproductive health without fear or restrictions. The path to achieving full reproductive rights for women in Sierra Leone is complex and requires a sustained commitment from all sectors of society. While resistance to change remains strong in some areas, the growing awareness of women’s rights and the push for progressive legal reforms offer hope for a future, where women can access the healthcare they need, free from stigma and discrimination. By continuing to challenge harmful traditions, improve healthcare services, and promote gender equality, Sierra Leone can create a more just and equitable society for all its citizens. As NRA Disputes Reported Figures As Inflated…