The Deputy Opposition Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), in Parliament, Hon Daniel Brima Koroma, has confirmed that the contentious Safe Motherhood Bill will not pass in parliament while there are MPs in office who uphold Christian values.

Speaking at a consultative forum organized by the Civil Society Network Sierra Leone and the Christian Society, Koroma declared, “The Safe Motherhood Bill will not be passed in Parliament for the next three years.”

Addressing a gathering of civil society representatives and fellow parliamentarians, Koroma emphasized that any legislation concerning motherhood must align with Sierra Leone’s cultural, traditional, and religious context.

“Don’t expect this bill to come out anytime soon,” he warned, indicating that it will require significant modifications before it could be considered for approval.

It could be recalled that, on the 23rd January 2024, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio convened a meeting at State House to engage stakeholders ranging from government officials, religious leaders, traditional leaders, womens’ group, civil society and other important voices on the Safe Motherhood Bill 2024 which is currently in Parliament for enactment.

The Deputy Health Minister Jalikatu Mustapha made the compelling case for the bill and the various revisions done to accommodate the views of the Inter Religious Council and others.

On advancing women’s rights and gender equality, she said, whether its policies, laws, investments or appointments, no president in history has ever come closer to  President Bio in terms of overshadowing his achievements.

The bill, she said, comprehensively addresses women’s reproductive health needs, reduces teenage pregnancy and takes into consideration “our cultural context.”

She also said the bill finally makes us compliant with our international obligations including the Maputo protocol.