SIERRA LEONE-ABORTION-TBs-CCPR

Concluding Observations on Report 1 (2014) (Link)

Abortion, adolescent pregnancy and maternal mortality

14. The Committee notes with interest the Abortion Bill of 2012, but expresses its concern at the current general criminalization of abortion, which may oblige pregnant women to seek clandestine abortions that endanger their lives and health. The Committee is also concerned at the persistently high incidence of adolescent pregnancy and maternal mortality, despite the State party’s prevention efforts (arts. 6 and 17).

The State party should accelerate the adoption of a bill that includes provision for exceptions to the general prohibition of abortion for therapeutic reasons and in cases of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest. The State party should ensure that reproductive health services are accessible for all women and adolescents. Furthermore, the State party should increase education and awareness-raising programmes, both formal (at schools and colleges) and informal (in the mass media), on the importance of using contraceptives and the right to reproductive health.

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