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The Government is examining possible amendments to the laws relating to abortion in Jamaica. Should abortion be legal?Join the debate. Email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223.
Biology gives evidence
ONE OF the allegations put forward by pro-direct abortionists is the woman's body supremacy argument that states: it's a woman's body, she must therefore have rights over her own body, and the pre-born child is a body part.
Our rebuttal comes from biology for when the fruit of human conception anchors to the uterine wall (about 13 days from conception inclusive) there is a concerted attack by the mother's immune system (white blood cells) on the child because the mother's body recognises the child as a non-self, that is, not a part of her body.
At 13 days, biology provides us with evidence that the pre-born child is not a body part, but indeed a separate individual who has to fight to defeat an immune system attack from his or her mother. Pro-direct abortionists therefore need to respect the fruit of conception as another body, another person.
I am, etc.,
ROMAIN G. STEWART
Celebrate Life Ministry,
Jamaica
Procedure increases when legalised
CONTRARY TO the views of Frederick E. Nunes, Jamaica is ahead of Barbados on the issue of legalised abortion. This is because Jamaica has retained the moral high ground in condemning the murdering of innocent children. For this Jamaica should be praised.
Nunes is factually incorrect in suggesting that legalised abortion will not lead to an "avalanche of abortions". In truth, abortions have risen astronomically in every country that has legalised murder via abortion. There is no reason to believe Jamaica will be any different.
I am, etc.,
Paul Kokoski
Only God has the right to take life
THE PROBLEM of 'unwanted pregnancies', which I believe is the major problem with this issue, is not rooted in a mere 'whether or not' one has the right to abort a child. Frankly, only God gives life, and has the right to take it. All this tug of war about a child's life is almost altogether degrading, and is looked upon as if we are talking about a dog. The point is, if we do it God's way, it's always easier. Killing children - and that's how the the Bible see them, even an unborn child - is murder. It's wrong!
I am, etc.,
ROHAN
The 'unplanned' canbe great contributors
There are numerous methods of contraception, many campaigns about sexual responsibility and many cases of unplanned children that have become great contributors to society and history (myself included). Barring extreme medical dangers to mother and/or child, which may warrant such a consideration, abortion is murder!
I am, etc.,
KMG
('Unplanned' child who is now
a teacher, musician and mentor)
Everyone deserves a second chance
I strongly believe that women should have the choice to abort unwanted pregnancies.
The Government could make it legal to have an abortion but they should stipulate a time limit before the foetus starts growing limbs, etc, and abortion should also be limited to one turn per person, so as to prevent people from behaving in a reckless manner and feel as if each time they get pregnant they could just do away with the child.
Everyone makes a mistake at some point in his/her life and should be given a second chance, as I think it would please God more to have an abortion rather than give life to a child and don't take care of the child afterwards, leaving it to die of hunger and suffer to death.
I am, etc.
CLOW
