U.S. Congressman Urges Liberian Senate to Reject Abortion Provision in Public Health Bill | News

U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, called on the Liberian Senate this week to reject provisions in a proposed Public Health bill that would legalize abortion through 18 weeks of pregnancy.

In a statement released Wednesday, Smith said the bill would “abandon moral leadership and open the door to the destruction of innocent children” and argued it dismantles protections for unborn children and mothers that have been in place in Liberia for decades.

“For decades, Liberia has stood firm for the protection of human life,” Smith said. “The proposed so-called Public Health bill would abandon that moral leadership and open the door to the destruction of innocent children up to 18 weeks of pregnancy. This bill is not about health. It is about eliminating the most vulnerable and defenseless among us.”

Claims of Health Risks Cited

Smith rejected the framing of abortion as healthcare, stating, “Abortion is not health care. It is not compassion. It is the deliberate taking of an innocent human life. Every unborn child is a person of infinite dignity and worth, and every mother deserves real medical care and support, not the false promise that abortion is a solution.”

He argued that legalization endangers women and pointed to safety concerns with medication and surgical abortion. Citing a study by the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Smith said nearly 11% of women who take mifepristone experience serious, adverse events within 45 days, including sepsis, hemorrhaging, or infection.

He also referenced surgical abortion risks, noting complications like blood clots. Smith pointed to the recent death of an 18-year-old in Colorado who passed away after experiencing blood clotting complications following a second-trimester surgical abortion at a Planned Parenthood clinic.

“Bottom line: this legislation before the Liberian Senate will put Liberian women at grave risk, stripping away essential safeguards,” Smith said. Call for “True Maternal Healthcare”

The congressman urged Liberia to invest in alternatives to abortion access. “True maternal healthcare means providing quality prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, emergency and life affirming obstetric and neonatal services, and support for mothers and their families, not expanding abortion,” he said.

Smith also addressed international influence on the debate. “Despite international pressure from foreign funded activists, Western governments, and NGOs, Liberia must continue to be strong and steadfastly defend Liberian children and their mothers. You must resist these attempts to impose abortion under the guise of healthcare or reproductive rights.” 

He framed the issue as one of national sovereignty and cultural values: “Liberia should not be coerced into abandoning its cultural, moral, and religious commitment to protecting life.”

Appeal to Senators

Smith closed his statement with a direct appeal to lawmakers in Monrovia. “I appeal to the conscience of every Liberian Senator: reject the so-called Public Health bill, defend the unborn, protect mothers, support families, and uphold the sanctity of human life. The world is watching. Liberia must continue to be a beacon of hope, compassion, and respect for human dignity.”

The Liberian Senate has not yet scheduled a vote on the Public Health bill. Previous versions of similar legislation have been rejected by the body.