Outcome Report >> Jamaica, Comment, 36th Session, May 2020

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (video statement) applauded Jamaica’s willingness to advance the sexual and reproductive rights agenda as well as the acceptance of recommendations on gender-based violence, discrimination against LGBTI and the criminalization of marital rape. However, the organization highlighted Jamaica’s unfortunate decisions to note significant recommendations made regarding the criminalization of abortion and regarding granting the provision of immunity to medical professionals who wished to deliver services to adolescents of 16 years and under. The abortion laws limited access to safe and legal abortion, which was a reproductive health right. This restriction also contributed to maternal mortality and increased the burden on the country and its economy. The discrepancies in two key pieces of law, which provided coverage for adolescents, namely the Childcare Protection Act and the Age of Majority Act, reinforced the discomfort of medical practitioners to deliver health care to adolescents even in instances where it was highly needed. It implored Jamaica to revisit this legislative frameworks to ensure that they fit the realities of young people and, in the same breath, protect their wellbeing. It reiterated the need for continued engagement with civil society organizations to strengthen efforts for the realization of human rights for all persons living in Jamaica and offered its expertise. [Para 801]