Illegal Abortion May Be Doing Harm To The Economy

Illegal Abortions may be doing harm: The Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CAPRI) has revealed that taxpayers in Jamaica pay USD 1.4 million yearly to fund the health system struggle with illegal and unsafe abortions.

These new numbers could provoke the Government even more to review the acts which criminalize abortion.

Over 22,000 pregnancies are said to have been illegally terminated throughout the island according to the CAPRI.

Though 22,000 are recorded it is said that the numbers may be far greater.

These illegal terminations are said to be costing the taxpayers of Jamaica 1.4 million US dollars yearly to aid the health system treat the complications of botched abortions. 

Doctor Leanne Levers, Director of Advocacy at CAPRI says sometimes regardless of an attempt to abort the child, the child may still survive but with complications and ultimately relies on the health care system.

Levers says according to their research, countries that legalize abortion tend to spend less taxes on the health care systems because the procedure is done with care and diligence by professionals.

Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, State Minister of Health, responsible for maternal health continues to lobby for the repealing of sections 72 and 73 of the Offences against the Persons Act.