Christian and Muslim leaders in Sierra Leone have called onthe public to join them on a march to parliament today to demand the withdrawalof a controversial draft law on abortion.
The proposed legislation allows for pregnancy of up to 12weeks to be terminated without reason. This is the most controversial aspect of the bill, withreligious leaders saying it is "tantamount to murder".
Supporters of the bill says it will help end back-streetabortions, which often cause the death of women.
The draft law also says that pregnancy from 13-24 weeks canbe ended only if there is a threat to the life of the mother, a fetalabnormality is detected, or if the pregnancy is as a result of rape or incest.
Parliament passed the bill unanimously in December but thepresident refused to sign it into law after religious leaders maderepresentations to him.
He has sent the bill back to parliament, and religiousleaders hope the march will increase pressure on MPs to kill it.
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January 28, 2016
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