The Biden administration is reportedly pressuring Sierra Leone to adopt more permissive abortion policies in exchange for foreign assistance. The African nation currently prohibits abortion in most circumstances, but there is legislation before the parliament that would decriminalize the practice.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government-run funding allocator, is said to be threatening to withhold hundreds of millions in foreign assistance funding if the abortion law does not pass. The MCC's CEO signed an agreement with Sierra Leone's finance minister for $480 million in foreign assistance, contingent on the country meeting standards for good governance, fighting corruption, and respecting democratic rights.
Pro-life activists in Sierra Leone have been protesting inside the parliament as lawmakers debate the legislation. There are claims that President Julius Maada Bio fired his attorney general for not pushing for the abortion law in parliament and appointed a new AG who supports the legislation.
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., has condemned the reported pressure campaign, expressing concern over the Biden administration's alleged use of foreign aid programs to promote abortion. Smith has accused the administration of diverting funds from programs like PEPFAR, designed to combat HIV/AIDS, to advance its abortion agenda.
PEPFAR, launched under President George W. Bush, has invested over $100 billion in fighting AIDS globally. Smith criticized the allocation of funds to organizations like Population Services International (PSI) and Village Reach, which he claims have a history of promoting abortion.
The situation in Sierra Leone highlights the complex intersection of foreign aid, governance, and social issues. The debate over abortion laws in the country reflects broader discussions on reproductive rights and the influence of international actors on domestic policies.
