Youth on Abortion
On 22 June 2002, MAM organized a gathering of around 60 young people to express their point of view on the subject of abortion, whether it is a solution in case of sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV infected mothers or fear of down syndrome babies. The following causes of abortion were brought forward:
- Fear of parents and society
- Too young to fulfill the responsibilities of a mother
- Wish to go for further studies
- Lack of information on sexual relations
- Pressurized by parents, friends and partners
- Fear of a disabled or HIV infected child
- Lack of support of parents in case of down syndrome or handicapped babies
The possible ways to prevent abortion were found to be:
- “Look before you leap” – give a thought before indulging in sexual relationships
- Communication with a responsible adult
- Keep the baby with the help of parents and partner
- Take necessary treatment for those who are HIV infected
- Adoption of the child
Important reflections made by the youths
- “The handicapped child has the right to live. Only God has the right to take away life”
- “Very often one forgets how much love and joy a child brings with it”
- “A child is innocent. The parents should assume their responsibilities and accept the child the way it is.”
The session ended with the telecast of a movie entitled “LAVIE ENE IMIN: PREMIER MERVEY“. The movie was based on the different stages of a baby’s development in the mother’s womb, starting from the fertilization till the 9th month of pregnancy. Everybody was amazed by the beauty and the fragility of life.