Power and choice

Recently, two separate events were held on our small island, which have confused me about the way government administration is carried out, and about how inconsistent government messages are.

There was a silent protest based on the pro-life concept, which in actual fact was silenced, as reported in this newspaper, since the protesters were saying the Rosary and they were asked to say it in their hearts.

The idea is that the unborn baby does not have the power to protect itself and choice of life is taken from the unborn when an abortion occurs.

On the same day it was reported that the Minister for Health stated that when it comes to expensive medicines (reported to cost around Lm16,000 per patient) needed by women suffering from breast cancer, the government has to prioritise.

I here ask all those who were protesting against the pro-life concept how they can remain silent on such a real issue. I think what the minister said is obscene and unacceptable. How can one draw a line and say "we need to prioritise" if we really believe in the well-being of citizens and in the concept of life!

Equal access to medicines and treatment is fundamental in a developed and democratic state like ours. I find it intolerable to have a situation where a person who is unfortunately suffering from breast cancer and is well-off can provide himself/herself with the expensive medicine while a person who is middle class or from a low income family is forced to live with the sickness and listen to the minister

They say "we have to prioritise". In this case power and choice lies solely with government administration and the privileged few who can afford to pay for such treatment.