The Catholic Church in Jamaica, joined by other organisations, is urging the government to consider alternatives to legalising abortion. This, as the Abortion Policy Review Group is currently before a joint select committee of Parliament.

Archbishop Donald Reece of Kingston and Bishop Neil Tiedemann of Mandeville were among pro-life advocates gathered December 16 at Holy Cross Church, Half-Way Tree, St Andrew for a press conference to announce planned alternatives.

Representatives of Mustard Seed Communities, the Missionaries of the Poor, the Coalition for the Defence of Life and others were also present.

 “Please, if you know anyone who has any intention of having an abortion, please come to us,” implored Mustard Seed Communities founder and executive director Fr Gregory Ramkissoon, adding that his organisation is willing to care for the children. Mustard Seed runs Mary’s Child which currently has 12 teenage mothers.

Fr Richard Ho Lung, founder of Missionaries of the Poor, considered the act of abortion as an act of murder. Both leaders said they believe one alternative is the establishment of pregnancy counselling centres.

Trinidad-born Fr Ramkissoon said prenatal assistance will include counselling, financial assistance and a place to stay. “This commitment is to any mother, teenage or otherwise, if they cannot afford it or for whatever reason, we will help her bring the child to term,” he added.

More than 80,000 signatures were collected in November opposed to the passage of any abortion legislation; the signatures were presented to the parliamentary committee.
Pro-life advocates claim 22,000 abortions are done annually in Jamaica.
(Edited from the Jamaica Gleaner)