STATE Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Lisa Rahming.
By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
STATE Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Lisa Rahming said she considers abortion murder.
“My only personal view is that I know that birth starts at conception,” she said, the first woman in the Davis administration to give her view. “And once an egg is conceived, whether it’s in any female and it’s aborted, I consider it to be murder. That’s my view.”
The views politicians have on abortion have been highlighted after a mother, who allegedly gave her 11-year-old daughter abortion pills after the girl was allegedly impregnated by her stepfather, was charged with a crime.
Ms Rahming declined to comment on that case.
“I would say that notwithstanding our laws,” she said, “every person has their own personal view of how they view it. But I am more Bible-based, faith-based. And so, I would do what Jesus would do. Would that be His advice? That’s how I live my life.”
Currently, abortion is illegal in The Bahamas, except as part of good-faith medical treatments.
Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe told The Tribune last week that although abortion has not been a part of public discourse recently, he believed the door has now opened for discussion.
“Any legislation that is anticipated to be passed should always be deliberated within the country and so what he said was correct,” Ms Rahming said. “There should be a national discussion like any other thing.”
Comments
themessenger 1 year, 3 months ago
I have to ask myself if she or her eleven year old daughter were raped and impregnated how high on her agenda would be an abortion?
Sickened 1 year, 3 months ago
Bible based. Lol! She's only regurgitating what her priest is saying. Why not use logic instead and come up with your own thoughts.
JackArawak 1 year, 3 months ago
First, it sounds like she's more familiar with the bible than me. Please show me where Jesus said abortion was wrong. Second, despite a large number of Bahamians being brainwashed by the bible, we, the people who aren't, shouldn't have to be subjected to the beliefs of others. And, third, themessenger makes the best point of all above (it's all good until it's me)
ohdrap4 1 year, 3 months ago
Matthew 26:24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born."
LastManStanding 1 year, 3 months ago
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" would be a good start. The problem that I have with rabid anti-clericalists such as yourself, and the vapid, shallow 60 IQ "shake your booty on the dance floor" "Christians" that make up most of this country, is that none of you have the slightest clue of anything that you talk about when it comes to Christianity. The Didache, which predates the Bible and was used by the Apostles themselves for instruction, opposes in no uncertain terms the uses of abortifacients that existed during the era. None of you are qualified to even speak the word "Christianity" simply because you have no idea what you are talking about.
TalRussell 1 year, 3 months ago
.... For upcoming 'for now' shuffling of the premiership's 'front bench', ---- Told as a starting point, --- Three names are confirmed whose future is to be reseated to 'back bench.' --- Told the premiership, has not finished reflecting with his 'rethink'. --- 'Tis causing some colleagues to close their eyes and hope for the best outcome, --- Yes?
IAmOne 1 year, 3 months ago
No matter which side of the abortion issue you stand, it should be quite disappointing to see a government minister use a loaded term like ‘murder’ to describe abortion. Particularly given the ministry she oversees. Even the PM was more measured with his response, knowing the rape of a CHILD has brought this debate back into the spotlight. I would suggest he take the leadership reins and caution his colleagues about using right-wing extremist language on highly charged yet sensitive subjects like this one. In other words Minister Rahming, THINK before you speak.
TalRussell 1 year, 3 months ago
@ComradeIAmOne, shouldn't the time for replaying was whilst the 'Social' Services Minister, still had such 'murderous' conversations constrained to her self --- Up in her 'social' head. Seems, the comrade sister is quick in accusing hundreds++++ of popoulaces' --- Of committing murderous acts, --- Yes?
IAmOne 1 year, 3 months ago
I agree @TalRussell that would have been the best time to rein in her ‘murderous’ thoughts. The next best time is RIGHT NOW.
TalRussell 1 year, 3 months ago
'Tis still 'an out' as a permanent fix. with shuffling 'front bench' ---Though, as a political appointee ---- The Comrade ``Sister", will be deemed be 'benchless.' --- i'll make for a strike 'three' for the 'premier sips,' --- 'All three' political appointments, 'strikeouts' --- Yes?
empathy 1 year, 3 months ago
A perfect reason for the separation of church & state’🧐
While a discussion of abortion is welcomed it seems to me that both this minister, as well as the National Security Minister, misses the larger point; a young girl was raped. As such we have a young child in need of our care and support (and allegedly a mom who likely also needs our HELP).
Medical Termination of pregnancy has been widely available in the Bahamas for over half a century and hopefully will continue to be available to our women and girls; it’s their choice. The availability of pills has given women who are ‘early’ in their pregnancy a freedom of choice unhindered by an overarching Big Brother (or in the case of Ms. Rahming, Big Sister). That ship has sailed!
hrysippus 1 year, 3 months ago
IMO this whole issue is only being raised by various professional politicians to distract the electorate from the dire financial straits that the country is fast approaching. And who cares what an unelected junior politician thinks anyway?
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