Int’l figures weigh in on abortion debate locally

Global pro-life advocates are slated to shore up the efforts of local campaigners when they visit Jamaica next week to participate in a number of activities to increase public awareness about the vexed issue of abortion.

American pro-life campaigner Dr Alveda King, niece of the late Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr, is expected to meet with scores of local church leaders at a special breakfast to be held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on May 24.

She will be in the island for a week of activities to sensitise pro-life advocates on strategies to bring about increased public awareness on the issue.

Joining her on the visit will be Michael Manhardt, producer of the box office hit movie Unplanned, who will attend the international premiere on Wednesday, May 22, at the Courtleigh Auditorium at 7 p.m. Parliamentarians and members of the joint select committee examining the abortion law, as well as members of the public have been invited to the movie premiere.

The movie will also be shown, free of cost, to residents of Southside at the Bethlehem Home Chapel, and at least two other communities during that week.

Dr King, who is a director of ‘Silent No More Awareness’ campaign, author and former state representative for the 28th District in the Georgia House of Representatives, will be accompanied by Janet Morana, executive director of ‘Silent No More Awareness campaign, the world’s largest mobilisation of women and men who have lost children to abortion.

Both women will also be part of a panel discussion on the theme ‘A Resolve for Life: Confronting the Issues of Pro-life or Pro-Choice’ on Friday, May 24, at 7 p.m., at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston. Members of the public who wish to attend should register by calling: 876 879 0009 or by email: jamaicacause@gmail.com.

The pro-life advocates will be hosted by Jamaica Churches Action Uniting Society for Emancipation (Jamaica CAUSE); Christians United for Life (CUFL); Missionaries of the Poor; and Church of God in Jamaica.

“I am very excited about the fact that these respected, global pro-life advocates will be coming to Jamaica to assist in heightening the awareness of the significant impact of terminating the life of an unborn child, and to promote the interest of those who have considered abortion and need support to make their final decision in the interest of the unborn child. The visit comes in the wake of discussions taking place in Parliament to legalise abortion which is, in effect, giving licence to kill the unborn,” said Bishop Alvin Bailey, chairman of Jamaica CAUSE.

“It speaks volumes to the morality of our nation when we stand as a united church against the actions of pro-choice organisations and persons. It is therefore our hope that more Jamaicans will take a stand against the legalisation of abortion; that the bill presently before Parliament will be withdrawn; and that Jamaica, under God, will increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity as we play our part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race,” he added.