Demanding referendum on abortion rights

IWOULD think that bringing a motion to Parliament would partly result from discussion and feedback from one’s constituents. This, however, does not seem to be a requirement as I know of no attempts to have dialogue with the constituents of West Rural St Andrew before the member of parliament, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, moved a motion for the Government to decriminalise abortion and provide women with safe and affordable methods to terminate pregnancy.

If the MP had done a quick walk and talk in the constituency, she would realise that the pressing needs revolve around youth employment, better roads, especially in the farming communities, and a reliable water supply.

GLEANER POLL

In an effort to support this pro-abortion motion, our MP referred to a Gleaner poll that showed that 67 per cent of men and 82 per cent of women indicated that women, and not the Government, have a right to terminate their pregnancy.

We must note, however, that the same poll showed that “76 per cent of men and 74 per cent of women are set against any change in the law to allow termination of pregnancy just because the woman does not want the child.” (Gleaner, May 14, 2018) Whenever MPs debate this pro-abortion motion, they should keep this poll in mind.

We want to hear the reasons for supporting or not supporting this motion. We hear about the rights of women, and this is a good thing. However, does an unborn child have any rights? Will any of the nation’s MPs be brave enough to speak up on the rights of the unborn child?

FOETUS’ PAIN

Does the unborn child feel pain during an abortion? Based on my reading, an abortion involves the tearing apart of limbs and crushing of the head of the child. Dr Maureen Condic, an associate professor of neurobiology and anatomy at the University of Utah, posits the view that by the eighth week, a foetus can, in fact, feel pain.

It is always interesting to hear the proponents of abortion say that they are concerned about ‘poor’ women. The majority of ‘poor women I know are very proud of their children and under no circumstances would have considered an abortion.

The people of Ireland got a say in the structure of that country’s abortion laws. Our MPs should know that we do not trust their wisdom on this matter, and any change to the country’s abortion laws should be put to the people in the form of a referendum.

MARSHA THOMAS