Amid widespread condemnation of the manner in which the birth of Christmas Day twins to a 14-year-old was publicised on Boxing Day, the Victoria Jubilee Hospital has indicated that the teen mother’s parents gave consent for their daughter’s inclusing in the annual holiday recognition.

The teen mother was among a number of new mothers who received care packages in recognition of the birth of the children on Christmas Day.

Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, state minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, came under public scrutiny after images made the rounds on social media of her and other participants in the annual tradition presenting a care package to the teen.

Jamaicans, particularly on social media, were aghast as the image, suggesting it could give the impression wrong impression of the response to the revelation of an underage pregnancy.

In Jamaica, the minimum age at which an individual is old enough to legally consent to participation in sexual activities is 16. 

Responding to the backlash on social media, Cuthbert-Flynn said she was unaware of the mother’s age at the time the photograph, which saw her smiling approvingly, was taken.”

The health ministry statement reiterated that the state minister had been unaware of the mother’s age, and added that the hospital has indicated that all protocols regarding underage mother’s have been followed.

“These young mothers are required to make a report to the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) and the clinic partners with the VJH Social Work Department and the Women’s Centre as part of the care for these cases,” outlined the ministry.