Nov 26 - BabySTEPPs: “Parenthood Should Not Be An Insurmountable Burden”
BabySTEPPs Gibraltar has contributed to the consultation period for the Government’s abortion Command Paper by arguing that families are in need of better support and that women, in particular, should not be “disproportionately affected” by parenthood.
The organization, however, says it remains “neutral” on the issue of abortion and focuses instead on offering emotional support.
A statement said: “We continue to maintain a ‘neutral’ position given the diversity of families that we support and our commitment to providing non-judgmental peer-support to all who seek it. We operate a policy of ‘no blame’ in recognition of the limitations within the current social, economic and health support systems, which can lead to families feeling the weight of the burden of parenthood for diverse reasons.
“We strongly believe in the adage that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and are encouraged by the Government’s acknowledgement within the Command paper, of the need for better support for families. This fits with the five aims we have been working to promote since the charity’s inception, which are:
1) well-being in pregnancy and early childhood
2) family-friendly practices in the community
3) support for those experiencing difficulties in their journey to parenthood
4) support for those experiencing difficulties in early childhood
“We are particularly encouraged by the Government’s pledge “to provide support for pregnant women such that no person makes a decision to seek an abortion, or feels they need to (in the limited circumstances in which it might become available) because of mental health matters related to their social or economic circumstances”.
The organization has sent the Government a ‘wish list’ of goals and recommendations including promoting the role of fatherhood, promoting affordable ‘healthy starts’ for families and respecting the rights and sensitivities of grieving parents.
A statement concluded: “We ask that the Government give due consideration to the many barriers currently faced by families, particularly those that place a disproportionate burden on women and those of lower socioeconomic status. We ask that priority be given to addressing the underlying reasons why women and families may consider abortion to be their only viable choice. We are encouraged by the example of countries such as the Netherlands and Switzerland that are succeeding in reducing the need for abortion as a result of progressive policies that promote the value of family, with the backing of socioeconomic support and family planning. We believe that given our prosperous and family-oriented community, the Government of Gibraltar can count on the necessary backing to commit the resources and promote the ethos that will ensure that families do not endure insurmountable barriers and burdens, and that abortion need only ever be a ‘last resort’.
“As a charity, we assure the Government of our ongoing commitment to providing support through early parenthood and pregnancy, to the best of our ability within our voluntary capacity, and to continue to work jointly, supporting the work of all Governmental and non- governmental agencies in their provision for families.”
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