The right to choose a basic human right

ISAT in earnest and listened to the Love March Movement’s arguments against abortion. Like most religious groups, they are on a course to oppress people who exercise self-determination by taking the moral high ground. They are no different, in my opinion, from extreme groups who want to create a religious utopia by nullifying human rights.

I am a Christian, and as such, I have to, by principle, take the stance against abortion, but in so doing, will not deny anyone the right to self-determination.

The guiding principle of the Bible, most notably the New Testament, speaks of choice and free will. The Christian God did not deny His creations the right to choose between Himself and the devil (Satan). This is the principle the Western world built its democracies on, guided by the enlightenment principles.

A government should never design a policy with only Christians in mind. Our motto, ‘Out of Many, One People’ is alluding to the fact that Jamaica is a pluralistic society with varying views, beliefs, and practices, and catering to only Christian views is a betrayal of our celebrated diversity.

For some people, their approach to the ethical questions will be

purely secular; for others, it will be heavily informed by religious values and doctrines. There is nothing inherently wrong or superior to either approach. What is wrong, however, is religious values being the determining factor in the finalisation of law.

A pregnancy to a woman is perhaps one of the most determinative aspects of her life. It disrupts her body, it disrupts her education, it disrupts her employment. And it often disrupts her entire family life.

By reason of the impact on the woman, she should be allowed to make the choice as to whether to continue or to terminate her pregnancy. The State or the public shouldn’t really have a say.

By reason of the impact on the woman, she should be allowed to make the choice as to whether to continue or to terminate her pregnancy.