The Editor, Sir:It is interesting how the nation's morality can be put on pause, as just a few months ago we were advocating safe sexual practices and returning to our moral heritage as a people. Before that, we were speaking about protecting our children and stopping the brutality against them and now we want to legalise abortion. It is evident that the Jamaican public has a very short attention span and political leaders even shorter. Too often we contradict our beliefs, just four years ago we passed the Child Care Protection Act, a law that is meant to ensure the protection of those members of our society that many times have no voice or the resources to protect themselves.
Legalising abortion would be a backward step for this nation and any nation for that matter. There are no benefits from abortion as no one has the right to take life. We clamour about the ruthlessness of gunmen and the irresponsibility of the youth in our society and in the same breath we opt to pass a law that ultimately states that if childbirth is not convenient, then dispose of the baby. Regardless of the circumstances a woman finds herself in, abortion stands as a 'freeway' to elude the consequences of her actions. I can understand the pain of a rape victim and maybe then I can see how the law would assist, but there is no other reason that should be considered.It won't lessen teenage pregnancy
Legalising it is bound to increase not just brutality against the children of this nation, but the irresponsibility of which we complain about daily. Yes, we may have fewer teenage mothers, but how many lives would we have used to pay for their future, surely it won't lessen teenage pregnancy. It won't decrease unprotected sexual intercourse or risky behaviour.If the rampancy of HIV has not curbed the sexual immorality, then how will a law that promotes the disposal of children help?We advocate that it should be the right of the woman to choose whether she brings a child into this world, but it is also her right to use contraceptives. The onus is on the woman to utilise those tools available to ensure she does not conceive by taking a stance not to be sexually involved unless she is protected. There is no excuse for pregnancy and if persons took responsibility for their actions, then there would be far fewer unwanted pregnancies.It is time for us to stand for something ... or we will fall for anything. Neutrality should not be an option!I am, etc.,GABRIELLE LAWRENCE (19 yrs)
