Staff Reports
The Biden administration appears to be on a mission to leave a lasting mark of chaos in the waning days of his presidency. Who wouldn’t want to go out with a bang, especially if that bang involves meddling in the internal affairs of a West African nation? Reports indicate that the administration is engaging in what some call “pro-abortion bullying tactics,” as it threatens to cut off humanitarian aid to Sierra Leone unless the country’s parliament rapidly adopts a deeply unpopular pro-abortion bill.
The background reveals a grim reality for Sierra Leoneans. Despite President Julius Maada Bio claiming support for the Safe Motherhood Act, a former U.S. official has pointed out that widespread opposition exists among the populace, largely influenced by their rich religious landscape where a staggering 77 percent are Muslim and 22 percent are Christian. The current law already allows for abortion when the mother’s life is at risk, so it raises the question of why the Biden administration feels the need to push for such drastic changes in a country that is staunchly protective of the unborn.
Biden Administration Accused of Using 'Pro-Abortion Bullying Tactics' Against Foreign Nation: “The Biden Administration’s pro-abortion bullying tactics and raw attempt at ideological colonialism is unacceptable,” a Republican congressman said. https://t.co/M2ionryZUd pic.twitter.com/3uAvtprPiB
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) December 17, 2024
The proposed legislation would legalize abortion up to 14 weeks for any reason and, bewilderingly, even up to the moment of birth if deemed necessary for the mother’s mental health. This runs contrary to the values upheld by millions around the globe, including those who inhabit Sierra Leone. Meanwhile, a generous five-year, $480 million deal aimed at improving affordable electricity for Sierra Leoneans rests precariously under the threat of being withheld unless the bill passes, making the situation even more absurd.
Jenel Few, spokesperson for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), denied allegations regarding the threat to aid. She claimed that the matter was internal and that U.S. funds wouldn’t be contingent on the bill’s passage, which is an interesting position to take considering the reality on the ground. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who chairs the MCC’s board, can apparently remain silent while the gears of ideological extortion are turning, ratifying the ongoing theme of the current administration’s questionable prioritization.
Republican Congressman Chris Smith voiced vehement opposition to this alarming display of ideological coercion, likening the actions of the Biden administration to historical invaders of Africa with less-than-noble intentions. Smith underscored the importance of respecting pro-life stances that many countries uphold, emphasizing that the tragic consequences of abortion harm both the unborn and the mothers involved.
As Biden’s presidency enters the “lame duck” phase, it becomes unfathomable that this administration would still engage in such reprehensible behavior. Reports suggest that the MCC is acutely aware of President-elect Trump’s impending return to the White House and is operating under the assumption that foreign aid could soon face a reevaluation. Rather than pushing for compliance with socially contentious bills, a future Trump administration would likely prioritize genuine assistance without strings attached, something that seems unrecognizable in the current climate. In the end, only Biden would have the audacity to jeopardize humanitarian endeavors on such a morally dubious premise.
