Forgiveness, not punishment

Dear Editor

Re: Mother jailed for murder of newborn

Rather than punishing this young woman, the court should have explored a more rehabilitative approach. The young woman has suffered from the loss of the baby but to put her in jail as a murderer only adds to her psychological burden.

Society should shoulder part of the blame for the way these young women decide to abandon or kill their newborns. We, as a society expect our young people, both women and men to behave impeccably and not get into trouble.

And if they get into trouble, then we yell at them, call them names, ostracise them and generally preventing any meaningful dialogue. 

Then the courts come along with their decision making and the results keep reinforcing our stereotypical views, and punishment, for what is deemed to be ‘bad’ behaviour.

Perhaps what is needed is greater understanding and acknowledgement that mistakes occur as part of growing up. Forgiveness, not punishment, is required.

 

Vai

Samoa Observer

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