Allegations have surfaced that the Biden administration is linking foreign aid to Sierra Leone with the adoption of more liberal abortion laws. A report indicates that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government aid agency, may withhold substantial funding if Sierra Leone doesn't pass legislation decriminalizing abortion, a practice currently restricted in the nation. This information comes from a former senior U.S. government official with experience in the region, according to the Daily Signal.

In late September, the MCC and Sierra Leone's finance minister signed a $480 million aid agreement contingent on the country upholding standards of governance, anti-corruption measures, and democratic rights. The MCC asserts it continually assesses Sierra Leone's adherence to these standards. However, the organization has denied any attempts to sway Sierra Leone's abortion policies, stating they are unaware of any such legislation and have not made any requests related to abortion. They clarified that any such legislation is an internal matter for Sierra Leone, with no U.S. development funds dependent on its outcome.

Social media videos depict pro-life demonstrations within Sierra Leone's parliament during debates on the proposed legislation. Local activists contend that President Julius Maada Bio dismissed his attorney general for resisting the abortion law's advancement in parliament. The newly appointed AG, Alpha Sesay, a former USAID employee, has publicly supported the new law.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) has openly criticized these reports, expressing concern over the potential coercion. He has previously raised concerns about the Biden administration using foreign aid programs, specifically PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), to further an abortion agenda. He argues that organizations receiving PEPFAR funding, such as Population Services International (PSI) and Village Reach, have a history of advocating for abortion access.

President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio attends "Leadersâ Panel -Pathways to Peace and Prosperty" within the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. ( (Photo by Ali Balikci/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images))

Rep. Chris Smith has accused Biden's administration of using foreign aid to push African countries toward permissive abortion laws. ((Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images))