PHOTO: Rev. Dr. Christopher Toe of the Inter-Religious Council
The clause on abortion in the new Public Health Bill before Liberia’s Legislature has sparked strong debate not only in the secular society but among religious groups.
Over the weekend, the Catholic Bishop Conference of Liberia CABICOL issued a strongly worded statement distancing itself from the position of the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia regarding abortion in the bill.
“We once more unequivocally reject the concept of justified abortion,’ a CABICO statement said.
The Catholic Bishops’ statement added: “In line with the dictate of Divine Mandate (THOU SHALL NOT KILL, EXODUS 20:13), in line with the Teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states that every human life, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God (CIC 2319), we once more unequivocally reject the concept of iustified abortion as contained in the New Public Health Bill.” Liberian Catholic Bishops And Inter-Religious Council Differ Over Public Health Bill On Abortion – News Public Trust
But hours after the Catholic Bishops’ statement, the Inter-Religious Council issued a statement clarifying its position “its position regarding ongoing discussions on abortion and the pending national legislation”.
In a four-count statement signed by Rev. Dr. Christopher Wleh Tod dated June 7, 2026, the Inter-Religious Council and the Council of Churches said:
“Our Stance: The religious community rejects abortion on demand. We continue to uphold the 1976 provision, which permits abortion only under the conditions of rape, incest, and threat to the life of the mother.”
SEE FULL TEXT OF THE INTER-RELISIOUS COUNCIL/LCC PRESS STATEMENT:
PRESS CLARIFICATION STATEMENT
For Immediate Release June 7,2026
The Religious Community wishes to clarify its position regarding ongoing discussions on abortion and the pending national legislation.
- *Our Stance*: The religious community rejects abortion on demand. We continue to uphold the 1976 provision, which permits abortion only under the conditions of rape, incest, and threat to the life of the mother.
- *Purpose of Advocacy*: At no point has the religious community called for the passage of abortion. Our call is for a national open dialogue, as stated in our previous release. The objective of this advocacy is to provoke a conversation that leads to the passage of a comprehensive national public health law. This law is critical for the overall health sector and service delivery across the country.
- *Current Process*: The Inter-Religious Council of Liberia (IRCL) and the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) participated in Senate discussions on this matter. The Bill is now before us. A national engagement meeting is being arranged soon to finalize the community’s position on the entire Bill, not on abortion alone.
- *Appeal to the Press*: Given the gravity of this matter, we appeal to the media to report accurately and avoid interpretations that distort our position. Even the position of the Catholic Bishops Conference in Liberia has been misinterpreted in public discourse. We urge all stakeholders to focus on facts and context.
We remain committed to dialogue that serves the public good and strengthens Liberia’s health system.
*Signed*
Name: Rev. Dr. Christopher Wleh Toe, I.
Organization: Inter-Religious Council of Liberia, Liberia Council of Council.