Liberia: Open Letter to Legislature: Protect Liberia’s Values and Future

Honorable Members of the Liberian Legislature:

We, the Faith and Justice Network, hereby issue an earnest and unwavering caveat to you, the esteemed representatives of the Liberian people, regarding the impending decision on the passage of the bill to legalize abortion in Liberia. 

It is with great concern that we observe growing pressure from foreign governments to sway your stance on this pivotal issue.

With heartfelt concern and a deep sense of urgency, we humbly beseech you to reconsider and reject the bill for the legalization of abortion in our beloved nation, Liberia. Ours is a land rich in religious values and a heritage that upholds the sanctity of life from its very inception.

Liberia's abortion laws are restrictive, and abortion is generally prohibited except when performed to save the life of the pregnant woman. “In cases of rape or incest, abortion may be permitted,” but the specific conditions and requirements should not be interpreted outside the current legal law.

Please be reminded that Liberia's identity is woven from the threads of faith, resilience, and unity, and it is upon these principles that we must base our decisions. The act of abortion stands starkly against the teachings of compassion, love, and protection that lie at the core of our religious beliefs. Our nation, under God's guidance, cannot tread the path of endorsing the termination of innocent unborn lives.

Every life is a testament to God's divine plan for creation — a plan that encompasses hope, potential, and purpose. To legalise abortion would be to step away from this divine design and embrace a path that leads our country astray from our moral compass. We firmly believe that we are called to safeguard the most vulnerable among us, and that includes the unborn children who hold within them the promise of a better Liberia.

Liberia's values, culture, and moral compass have been the pillars of our nation's strength and unity. We would appreciate it if you could stand firm in your commitment to preserving these

foundations. Yielding to external influence would not only compromise our identity but also undermine the trust bestowed upon us by our constituents.

Let us not forget the power and responsibility you hold as representatives of our people. Your decisions shape the destiny of our nation and reflect our collective conscience. We urge you to stand as guardians of life, as stewards of our religious heritage, and as advocates for the voiceless.

In this critical juncture, we call upon you to protect Liberia's soul, preserve life's sanctity, and uphold the values that define us as a nation. Let us not falter in the face of external pressures but rather strengthen our resolve to honor God's plan for creation.

We urge you to deliberate with utmost care, weighing the implications of your actions on the future of our great nation. Let it be known that we, along with countless concerned citizens, are prepared to hold accountable those who prioritize external interests over the voices of our people.

We firmly remind you that the ballot boxes placed at the various polling stations around the country on October 10th, 2023, hold the power to either endorse your allegiance to our nation's heritage or condemn those who betray it. The citizens of Liberia are watching closely and will judge your decisions based on the principles you uphold today.

In unity and conviction, we hope you will heed to this counsel and act in the best interests of Liberla, fostering a legacy of faith, justice, and sovereignty under the guidance of the Most High God.

May your hearts be guided by wisdom and compassion as you deliberate on this matter. Liberia looks to you to be an inspiration of religious beliefs, justice, and love. Let us stand together, steadfast in our commitment to the unborn, and resolute in our duty to protect the sanctity of life.

May God bless you and save our nation! With hope and convicts

Signed:

Rev. Dr. Tolbert Thomas Jallah, Jr.

Regional Executive Director, Faith, and Justice Network