PM’s wife: pregnant woman’s killing is a ‘double murder’

The tragic killing of seven-month pregnant Lauren Saunders in the Bahamas has reignited a heated debate over foetal rights and the country’s abortion laws. Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister, has labeled the incident a “double murder,” asserting that Saunders’ unborn child, at seven months gestation, should be considered a living human being. This stance starkly contrasts with the position of National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who maintains that Bahamian law does not recognize a foetus as a separate life for the purposes of murder charges. Munroe cautioned that altering the law could lead to unintended consequences, such as criminalizing medical terminations. Davis, speaking at a Zonta Club press conference, emphasized her belief that abortion should be avoided “at all costs” unless the mother’s life is in danger. She argued that Saunders’ pregnancy was advanced enough for the foetus to be considered a person, likening the act to “killing a baby.” The case has highlighted the disconnect between public sentiment and the legal framework, which currently prevents a murder charge for the death of an unborn child. Internationally, jurisdictions like the United States, Australia, and El Salvador have adopted varying approaches, with some allowing dual charges for the death of a pregnant woman and her foetus. The Bahamas’ legal stance remains unchanged, but the incident has sparked calls for a reevaluation of existing laws and their implications.