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"Put Life First" Petition

I, the undersigned, declare that I support the Position Statement of Lawyers for Jesus 2004 regarding abortion issues, namely, that:-

1. Lawyers for Jesus is a multi-denominational group whose members declare that Jesus Christ is LORD. We stand on the foundations of the word of God and state that God is the creator of all human life (Job 10:12) from the moment of conception (Psalm 139:13-14) until natural death. We wish to express publicly that being Christians we are pro-life and stand against the legalising of willful abortion on demand. Such legalisation in effect authorizes murder, which God says is wrong (Exodus 20:13).

2. Human life though marred by the fall still has a unique quality. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die and redeem all human life ( John 3:16), which comes into existence at the moment of conception (Jeremiah 1:5).

Therefore , Lawyers for Jesus oppose wilful abortion on demand.

4. Besides, abortion is a very unsafe procedure. There are short-term complications in one (1) in ten (10) women undergoing elective abortion. Many will suffer complications of a physical nature, which, include tearing or puncturing of the uterus, excessive bleeding, hemorrhage, toxic shock, chronic abdominal pain, infections, convulsions, cervical injury, fever, vomiting and blood vessel blockage.

5. Additionally, there is severe psychological trauma experienced in the aftermath of an abortion. Post abortion surveys show that thirty-one percent (31%) experienced suicidal feelings; sixty percent (60%) commented that the decision to abort made their lives worse: while ninety-four percent (94%) regretted the decision or experienced one or more of the following feelings after they had abortions, namely depression, guilt, regret, nervousness and insomnia. Further, several studies link abortion to substance abuse. Scientific studies have revealed a significant link between abortion and breast cancer. These studies have revealed that for women aborting a first pregnancy, the risk of breast cancer almost doubles after a first trimester abortion and is multiplied with two (2) or more abortions.

6. Therefore, Lawyers for Jesus acknowledge the need to help women experiencing a crisis pregnancy and offer hope and counseling and alternatives to abortion so that women can make an informed pro-life choice.

7. In this regard, Lawyers for Jesus continue to support all pro-life ministries and recognize the urgent need to establish Crisis Pregnancy Centres and Adoption Centres throughout the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and to offer assistance to those experiencing the aftermath of an abortion, including all women, men, grandparents, families and siblings. Our goal is to inform and care for those individuals to the end that they may receive from Our Lord, Jesus Christ comfort in their of confusion and grief, forgiveness for their sins and the power to forgive themselves and others.

8. Therefore, in Trinidad and Tobago, Lawyers for Jesus oppose any legislation permitting abortion on demand for the reasons stated hereinbefore and we invite all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago not to consider any proposal for the amendment of the offences against the Person Act Ch. 11:08 Sections 56 &57, for the decriminalization of abortion.