Bishop Donyen Appeals for Mercy in Case of Young Mother Who Abandoned Newborn in Lofa County

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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: Amid growing public outcry over the reported abandonment of a newborn baby girl in Lofa County, Bishop J. Nimley Donyen of the Independent Catholic Church of Liberia has issued an emotional appeal to the Government and people of Liberia, urging compassion rather than punishment for the 20-year-old mother involved and Pledges L$20,000 to support the young mother.

In a public statement titled “An Appeal to Our Government,” Bishop Donyen acknowledged the gravity of the incident, in which a young woman reportedly discarded her newborn shortly after giving birth. However, he implored Liberians to consider the difficult circumstances surrounding the mother’s actions.

“It is indisputably true that this young woman almost caused her baby to die,” Bishop Donyen said. “Yet, I ask us, as a nation, to consider the suffering that led her to such desperation.”

According to reports, the woman was alone when she went into labor. Despite being visibly pregnant and nearing her delivery date, she was reportedly left unattended in her home. With no midwife or family support present, she delivered the baby by herself.

“By the grace of God, she and the child both survived,” the Bishop said. “That alone is a miracle. Let us give glory to God that this newborn baby girl is alive.”

Drawing a powerful parallel from scripture, Bishop Donyen compared the situation to the biblical account of Moses, who was placed in a basket and set afloat on the River Nile to escape danger.

“Just as that Hebrew mother placed her baby in a basket and entrusted him to God, this child too has been spared. Who knows what future awaits her? She could grow to become someone important to our nation,” he said.

In a touching act of solidarity, Bishop Donyen pledged L$20,000 to support the young mother and called on fellow Liberians to contribute what they can.

“Let us put together our small twenty-twenty Liberian dollars to take care of this baby and her mother,” he appealed. “This child is not a burden—she is a miracle. This mother is not a criminal—she is a soul in need.”

He further urged the government not to arrest, detain, or prosecute the young woman, emphasizing that compassion, counseling, and assistance would be more appropriate than punishment.

“I appeal to the Government of Liberia and to all people of goodwill to show mercy,” Bishop Donyen concluded. “Let us care for this young woman and her child as a community. Let this be a moment where Liberia chooses love over judgment.”

The bishop is also seeking a way to directly deliver his donation and urged community leaders and local authorities to assist in reaching the young mother.

The  Bishop’s plea serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy in the face of hardship and the shared responsibility to uplift those in despair.