The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has given his view on the debate about permitting abortion in cases of rape.

“My view is that life begins at conception,” he told reporters on Friday. “And how we deal with life and being –– the Bible tells us that God knew us when we were in our mother’s womb –– will be a matter for the people at large, as a country, and as the individuals concerned. Because let’s not mislead or fool ourselves, if anybody wishes an abortion, they can travel to any part of the world where it could be contracted.  So, it’s a personal decision on the person, but when you change the laws of a country since we have certain views, it should be something that should be done after consideration of everything involved.” 

Elected officials have been asked about abortion after a mother who allegedly gave her 11-year-old daughter abortion pills was charged for doing so. The girl was allegedly impregnated by her step-father.

 Abortion is illegal in The Bahamas in all cases except to save the life of the mother.

 Some governing party members, however, have suggested they are open to considering changing the law.

 Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said last week that abortion appears to no longer be a taboo topic.

 He said it is wrong to force a raped child to give birth.

 Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis told The Tribune he sees abortion exemptions in cases of rape as a “medical matter” he “would have to consider”. He also described abortion as a personal choice.

 Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said the topic is worth discussing.

 “The issue of abortion, I think, needs to come back to the forefront,” he said. “Personally, I don’t want to bring in my personal opinion, but I do support the fact that we need now to bring it to the forefront and discuss it in the open as it relates to what may be happening in the country and what the law says.”