Make women subject of abortion debate

So many people and institutions continue to weigh in on the Termination of Pregnancy Bill which is to be brought before Parliament soon. There are those who have made it clear that their position on the issue is the right one and are not ready to listen to anyone with a different view. It is somewhat a polarised debate.

It is, however, encouraging to see others debating soberly while giving quite critical insights into the whole debate that everyone one of us, regardless of which side of the debate you are on, need to think about.

Last week’s entry of My Thought got people talking and the feedback was quite encouraging. One reader had this to say:

Dear Sellina,

I was reading your article in the Nation on Sunday on the above mentioned subject.

This has been a subject that was never discussed openly and in a realistic and mature manner. The churches have dug their heels in and taken a stand against abortion.

I am of the view that women must be the final person to make the choice. As of now, I note its men who are involved in the debate and sadly, deciding for women! I feel we must look at the situation a woman is faced with. For example, what happens if her life is threatened? Who do you save? What do you do? What happens when a woman is raped and falls pregnant? What do you do? What happens when she is a 15-year-old girl? Who do you save?

I am of the view that the choice must be the woman or girl’s. At the end of the day the burden is carried by them not men!

I was also looking at the high pregnancy rate that has arisen as a result of schools closing. A school girl’s entire life is ruined, she now becomes a family burden and she is dependent on her parents. She has no future. The boy cannot possibly support her and the child.

In this regard, I feel sexual education must be made available to the students and it must be discussed openly without holding back. The students must be made aware of the consequences if the girl falls pregnant. Sexual discussions at home and at school must not be taboo!

Contraception is another option that young people must be made aware, especially girls. It’s their life, their future and they must protect their future and their lives until they get married.

Kind regards

Krishna