The abortion issue: Open letter to the PM

Dear Prime Minister

We wish to express our unflinching support for your courageous initiative to amend the 1838 Anti Abortion Law.

We also note your intelligent and non-partisan approach respecting all the religious and secular powers that have in one way or other pushed to have the subject opened up for public scrutiny. The approval or disapproval of the amendments will no doubt depend on the various interests espoused by various sectors but the middle path you navigated will no doubt steer the nation out of controversial waters.

The fact that you have understood the agony of women in general who face difficult personal choices and who are now free to have their respective cases examined on a case to case basis will undoubtedly bring great relief and will safeguard human rights enshrined in our constitution.

Abortion revolves around personal choices and individual circumstances which are inviolable and sacred. We are dealing here with the inalienable rights of the individual which is today no longer a matter of religious dogma nor a matter of dialectics. It is a matter of destiny. We are glad that you have so firmly held the reins despite all the pressures.

Thank you for the prompt realisation and the courageous stand taken by your government to bell the cat.

Lady Padma Ghurburrun
Lindsey Collen
Parti Lalit

Vidula Nababsingh
Associate Professor

Vidya Charan
Executive Director, Family Planning Association

Touria Prayag
Journalist

Vimla Hanoomanjee
Consultant in Economics

Vimla Jadunundan
Research Assistant

Satinder Ragobur
Associate Professor

Kokila Deepchand
Social Worker-Head of Jagriti Women’s Association

Ranjita Bunwaree
Alliance of Women

Marie Lourdes Lam Hung
Barrister-at-Law

Shakuntala Hawoldar
Consultant in Education and Media