Hanna wants anti-abortion laws reviewed

Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter



Lisa Hanna, Jamaica's minister with responsibility for youth, has suggested that the time has come for the country to review the legality of abortion.



In making her contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives today, Hanna said the law which prohibits abortion is outdated and debate on changing the legislation has been ongoing for the past 38 years.



She told parliamentarians that Jamaica needs to face the reality that many persons having children are themselves children with no parenting skills.



Meanwhile Hanna said neglect by parents and guardians is the number one form of abuse recorded by the Office of the Children’s Registry.



She noted that a United States study found that there was a direct correlation between crime and unwanted children.



She also said the landmark ROE vs WADE court case changed the direction of women’s rights.



In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state laws restricting abortion.



Meanwhile, Miss Hanna has said it is costing the State $1.7 billion a year to fund the Child Development Agency.



She said some $436 million is being spent to operate the eight government-run homes.



She also noted that the State has been spending millions of dollars to care for children in private homes and in foster care.



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