Liberian Bishops reject health bill legalising abortion, demand accountability

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia (CABICOL) has rejected the bill, mainly because it allows abortion and other harmful provisions.

In their annual Lenten message, the bishops joined hands with the Liberia Council of Churches and the National Muslim Council to push for the bill’s rejection.

“We emphatically reject this bill and its subsequent provisions, such as the legalisation of same-sex marriage and euthanasia,” they were quoted by the Liberian Observer.

The Church has always stood against abortion and euthanasia, which is the act of ending a life to relieve suffering.

The bishops said human life must be protected from the moment of conception until natural death. They believe that passing this bill would undermine Liberia’s religious and moral foundations.

The bishops also raised concerns about how the government spends public money.

According to them, too much of the budget goes to government expenses instead of development and social programs.

Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Jubwe criticised the way funds are allocated.

“The high allocation for recurring government expenditures at the expense of development and social welfare must be addressed,” he said.

In addition, the bishops warned that political issues in the House of Representatives could harm Liberia’s democracy.

The bishops also repeated their long-standing call for a War and Economic Crimes Court to bring justice for crimes committed during Liberia’s civil war.

They welcomed President Joseph N. Boakai’s support for the court and said justice is necessary for peace and national healing.