By Bill W. Cooper
There is much confusion among members of the Liberian Senate regarding the Revised Public Health Law, precisely the abortion portion.
The revised law, since its introduction, has sparked intense debates and discussions, with some lawmakers expressing divergent opinions and advocating for differing approaches.
At the same time, medical practitioners are also calling for speedy passage of the instrument for the safety of Liberian pregnant women and girls, while the religious leaders, in contrast, are calling for the bill not to pass because it is sinful and against the will of God.
Liberia, a country with a population of over 5 million and fragile health sectors, holds a deep-rooted cultural and religious background that heavily influences social attitudes towards the subject of abortion.
The current abortion law in Liberia, established in 1972, imposes stringent restrictions, only permitting the procedure to save the life of the mother, while all other instances, including cases of rape, incest, or fetal abnormalities, are strictly prohibited.
But as things stand, the senators have now found themselves embroiled in a heated debate concerning potential modifications to the existing abortion law, bringing it on par with international standards.
During the Tuesday, November 22, 2023 deliberation, there were some senators who advocated for the liberalization of the abortion laws in the country to grant women the right to have safe abortion when the need arises.
While on the other hand, there were Senators who staunchly opposed any amendments, arguing that the preservation of unborn lives and upholding traditional values take precedence over individual views.
According to Senators Abraham Darius Dillion and Augustine Chea, the legalization of the abortion law is essential to prioritize women’s reproductive rights, ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services, as well as saving the country from too many abortion-related deaths.
The two Senators believe that denying women the right to make decisions about their own bodies leads to increased cases of unsafe, clandestine abortions, posing significant risks to women’s health.
They argued that allowing abortions in specific circumstances, such as pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, or when the fetus has severe abnormalities, is a compassionate and morally just position.
Senators Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Botoe Kanneh, Prince Moye, Jeremiah Koung, Emmanuel Nuquay, and Joseph Jallah, in support of the law, but with conditions, indicated that by decriminalizing abortion, the State would regulate the procedure, providing a framework for proper medical standards and allowing women to seek support, counseling, and appropriate healthcare throughout the process.
They added that there should be some awareness and education about the law, informing the citizenry about the benefits and risks associated with the law before passage, for the common good of Liberia.
The Senators maintained that there should also be comprehensive sexual education, improved access to contraceptives, and establishing women’s health initiatives, to ensure reproductive health services are easily available.
Meanwhile, Senators Simeon Taylor, Gble-bo Brown, and Saah Joseph, rejected the legalization of the law, primarily based on their arguments on religious and cultural beliefs that view abortion as morally wrong and a violation of the sanctity of life.
The senators, protecting the rights of the unborn as paramount, believe that life begins at conception, arguing that accommodating exceptions such as rape and incest could potentially lead to abuse and false claims, undermining the integrity of the law.
They, at the same time, expressed concerns that loosening restrictions will lead to an increase in the number of abortions and erode societal values that prioritize family and traditional norms.
Nevertheless, as the legislative process unfolds, a consensus among Liberian Senators on the abortion law remains elusive, as it is essential for lawmakers to conduct robust research, engage in inclusive dialogues, and consider the viewpoints of multiple stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, religious leaders, advocacy groups, and the general public.
The decision-making process should be guided by a commitment to uphold individual rights, while also acknowledging the cultural, ethical, and religious sensitivities surrounding the issue.
Furthermore, the ongoing debate within the Liberian Senate regarding the abortion law, reflects the complex nature of the topic, which encompasses religious, cultural, legal, and ethical dimensions.
