The Abortion Debate
published:
Wednesday | March 19, 2008
A section of the congregation at the 59th annual conference and convention of the Church of the Open Bible, held at the National Arena in St Andrew on Sunday. The membership of the church has opposed any attempts to make abortion legal in Jamaica. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer
JOIN THE DEBATE!
The Government is examining possible amendments to the laws relating to abortion in Jamaica. Should abortion be legal? Join the debate. Send us your comments. Email: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223.
It's murder!
The Editor, Sir:
Do we understand what is abortion? It is the removal of an embryo from the uterus, resulting in death. It's no different from those gunmen who are killing people, same murder.
I heard women saying it is their body and they can do what they feel, but let me quickly say, your body was given to you by God, we will have to give an account to Him one day. Why is it that women who have had abortions are now living a nightmare?
There is a need for Jamaicans to get back in tune with God so we will know the truth.
I am, etc.,
Robin Simms
Don't endorse!
The Editor, Sir:
All foetuses have a right to become a human. The Government should not endorse abortion.
I am, etc.,
Michael McGowan
Make it legal
The Editor, Sir:
I think abortion should be made legal. I don't think churchgoers have the right of dictatorship in Jamaica. The same right they exercise in choosing to become Christians is the same right that women have regarding abortion.
Most churchgoers are not Christians anyway, they lie, steel, fornicate, just like the rest of us. Most of them are wolves in sheep clothing. These churchgoers are acting as if they are God and not mere sinners.
I am, etc.,
Maureen McKa
(a Jamaican living in Spain)
Where are the helping hands?
The Editor, Sir:
There is this strange emotional tie and preoccupation with what is purported to be 'life' at the moment of conception, yet after the mother spits the baby out and it takes its first breath, this concern ends. This is why there are so many abused and abandoned children, so many delinquents, so many underaged parents, yet so few hands, hearts and pockets willing to help them. It would be far better if the same hands lifted in fervent prayer for abortion to remain illegal, would busy themselves providing adoption, care and mentorship for the unwanted, whose gestation they so stoutly defended.
I am, etc.,
Kadene Porter
kadene26@hotmail.com
How do we stop illegal methods?
The Editor, Sir:
Those who are against abortion should find ways to help reduce the number of women who die using illegal methods; the number of children who are in dire need and become potential victims or perpetuators of murders.
All life should be supreme, and if not treated as such by the antiabortionists, then they have no credibility and validity.
I am, etc.,
Dentom Vernon
dentonve@hotmail.com
It is her right!
The Editor, Sir:
A woman should have the choice whether or not to have an abortion. It is her right! There are many situations that a woman may feel the best option is to terminate a pregnancy (rape, the pregnancy is harmful to the health of the mother and/or deformity). It is the woman who will have to deal with raising an unwanted child or risking her health. Also, look at the number of abused and orphaned children in the society. Is it fair to bring more into the world?
I am, etc.,
Christine Thompson
Door for gunmen
The Editor, Sir:
You may not agree with me, but I would like to see abortion legal in Jamaica. If it was legal, many of these gunmen would not be around; they would have been aborted.
I am, etc.,
Hugh Morgan
huby84@yahoo.com
Separate the two
The Editor, Sir:
Abortion must be legal. Government and religion are separate entities. Never should one have influence upon the other.
I am, etc.,
Chuc Sussman
Boca Raton, Florida
What of rape, incest, poverty?
The Editor, Sir:
Rather than waste time discussing whether or not abortion should be legal, we should examine the reasons women have abortion: rape, incest, poverty, unaffordable health care, and lack of support because of the reasons above. The Government (or anyone else) should not compel a woman to use her body for any purpose whether we agree with them or not. When the Government, Church and any other group seeking to control women's bodies and lives become successful at ridding our society of rape, incest, poverty, hypocrisy and ignorance, only then can we begin to discuss legalising medical procedures.
