President Joe Biden. President Julius Maada Bio
U.S. Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who chairs the House Global Health and Global Human Rights Subcommittee, has voiced his strong concerns regarding reports of U.S. involvement in promoting abortion legislation in Sierra Leone.
According to Smith, the Biden Administration is allegedly threatening to withhold foreign assistance from the West African nation unless its lawmakers pass the “Safe Motherhood Act,” a bill that would legalise abortion in a country that currently upholds protections for unborn life.
In a statement released on December 16, 2024, Smith characterised this approach as deeply troubling, asserting that it reflects a broader pattern of “pro-abortion bullying tactics” and an attempt at “ideological colonialism.” He emphasised that abortion should not be considered healthcare and is not recognised as a human right on the international stage.
Smith argued that pro-life nations, like Sierra Leone, deserve respect and support for their commitment to protecting both unborn children and the health of mothers. He announced plans to collaborate with the incoming Trump Administration to investigate whether U.S. laws have been violated through the misallocation of foreign aid as a means of pressuring countries to adopt pro-abortion policies. Smith concluded that imposing a pro-abortion agenda on financially vulnerable and democratic nations undermines U.S. interests and constitutes poor diplomatic practice.
However, the government of Sierra Leone has denied such a claim.
