Yvonne Nelson and Sarkodie embroiled in a whirlwind of controversy; why each can be jailed for 5 years
The position of Ghana Law against the act of abortion:
The cause of the uproar in the public space is on account of a revelation by Yvonne Nelson in her autobiography, which acknowledges a shared secret between herself and Sarkodie: an abortion. Well, this is now public knowledge.
Do you believe their celebrity status should shield them from any legal consequences if there are any? The Ghanaian law has a position, in fact, a stern one on matters of abortion, and maybe this gripping moment can push the boundaries of our legal systems.
There exists a fine line between our personal decisions and legal accountability. Whatever we bring into the court of public opinion is naturally subjected to public scrutiny without control. There is nothing you can do about that!
The issue between Yvonne and Sarkodie has sparked an intense debate on personal choices, privacy, and societal responsibility.
Overall, one question echoes louder than the rest: Can Yvonne Nelson and Sarkodie be put behind bars for their abortion? Let’s shed light on this legal puzzle.
Our source of information is the Criminal and Offences Act, of 1960 (Act 29). The law emphatically prohibits a mother from removing the fetus from her womb. However, the law states some grounds on which the act is permitted.
A pregnant woman commits the crime of abortion if she intentionally removes a fetus from her womb to herself or consents to be administered with any poison or substance to effect the premature removal or expulsion of a fetus.
We must also note that an ‘attempt’ to remove the fetus is also considered a crime. That is, the mother failed or stopped in an attempt to cause the act of abortion.
What about someone who facilitates the process? The administrator or facilitator of a substance with the intention of removing the fetus commits the crime of abortion. A person who aids or abets, that is commands, counsels, procures, or even solicits to facilitate the expulsion of the fetus, is likewise culpable of the crime of abortion.
Again, inducing a woman to cause or consent to the destruction of a fetus also commits the crime.
There are legal ramifications for the mother or any person described in the previous paragraphs who commits the crime of abortion. You are liable to a prison term for not more than 5 years.
Abortion is only not a crime when it is as a result of rape, defilement, medical risk issues, or incest.
It is, however, interesting to note that a person who commits the crime can be prosecuted and punished whenever for the offense. Whenever the state finds cause to prosecute for the offense, it will no matter the time.
Behind the headlines and controversies lies profound legal, ethical, and societal questions that demand critical consideration. As the story of Yvonne Nelson and Sarkodie continues to captivate public attention, the intersection of law and the abortion issue cannot be left out.
Having read the position of the law on abortion, do you think they should be prosecuted and punished? Leave your answer in the comments section.
Yvonne Nelson and Sarkodie embroiled in a whirlwind of controversy
