Here is the story the Gleaner ran on Boxing Day that it later removed from its website because of the backlash. Many people think the Gleaner should not have highlighted a 14-year-old minor for giving birth. The age of consent in Jamaica is 16. So instead of having a photo op session, the hospital should have taken the time to report the matter to the police. In addition, the child should concentrate on her schoolwork rather than nursing twins.
Christmas wishes and jubilant cheers were bestowed upon a 14-year-old mother who gave birth to twin boys on Christmas day at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Kingston.
Speaking with the Gleaner, the minor (name withheld) mentioned that she was scared when she initially found out about her unexpected pregnancy and that her parents were also disappointed. However, she was glad to have her parent’s support, especially from her mother, throughout this challenging time and vowed to make the best of the situation, as she did not want to get an abortion and return to school when able.
“From mi mother find out say mi pregnant, she always be ’round mi. She nuh rough mi and she nuh do weh she nuh fi do. She always deh round mi and she stay by my side,” she stated.
Jane Doe (14-year-old mother of twin boys)
The teenage mother said she knows she disappointed her parents but will work hard to regain any lost trust and be the best mother she can be to her twins, Keovanni and Reovanni (no last name mentioned). Going back to school to make her parents proud will be one of her top priorities.
The mother of the twins, who were born prematurely, gave birth almost two hours into Christmas morning. Her sons were born about three months early as she was expected to give birth sometime in March of next year.
This particular birth has caused a stir because of her teenage mom’s status, but help will be provided by the Ministry of Health’s teen clinic. A cause for concern was also raised upon the revealing that the mother was under the lawful age of consent by Rosalee Gage-Grey, the chief executive officer of the CPFSA (Child Protection and Family Services Agency).
Keovanni and Reovanni’s birth to a teen mom happens just a few weeks after the parliamentary and public debate about the age of consent in Jamaica. At present, the age of consent is 16 years.
A point was raised that there was disharmony between the age of transitioning to adulthood, which is 18 and comes with being able to make life-changing choices, and the age of consent.
Gage-Grey said that although childbirth is a joyous occasion, hospitals are responsible for reporting cases such as those where the mother does not meet the age of consent to the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA). However, it is still unclear if this case was reported.
Gage-Grey, speaking on the support the teen mother needs, said, “It’s imperative for parents to support their children, especially for a young girl like that. If she needs additional support, the social work unit at the hospital will contact us.”