Letter of the Day | Serious concerns over Yute Chatz chatbot

This is an open letter to the Minister of Health and Wellness.

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches is deeply concerned and alarmed at reports of the recent collaboration between the National Family Life Board, UNICEF, UNAIDS, and J-Flag in the development and promotion of the Yute Chatz chatbot for discussions on sexuality and reproductive health.

In fact, we are horrified. While the initiative appears well-intentioned, there are troubling aspects of the app that warrant urgent attention.

As an organisation, we are troubled by the inclusion of a non-binary gender option and the promotion of medical transitioning as a normal procedure to teenagers. The promotion of potentially life-altering decisions to a vulnerable group is a significant departure from our local majority consensus on morally acceptable choices.

It is even more troubling when we see societies, such as the United Kingdom, moving to ban puberty blockers and access to minors to transitioning procedures. Adolescents should be provided with accurate information about reproductive health in a manner that respects their developing understanding of self-identity, and cultural norms and family values.

Further, the referral of children with sexuality issues to J-Flag (rebranded as Equality Ja), an organisation known for its advocacy of transgender rights, raises serious questions about the appropriateness of the advice provided through this app.

While it is essential to support individuals struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity, it is equally important to ensure that they receive guidance from qualified professionals, who can offer comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

We note the international move away from puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria among young people, and urge the Government to take a strong stand against the undermining of our traditional values, and to take the moral leadership that is its responsibility, including disentangling state agencies from engagement and partnership with all forms of unacceptable behaviours.

We further call on the the Ministry of Health and Wellness to thoroughly review the contents of the Yute Chatz chatbot and take steps to end the promoting of certain ideologies and medical procedures to impressionable young people.

Outside of our moral position, research has shown the result of certain life-altering decisions on children, including mental health breakdowns and self-harm.

We encourage the Ministry of Health and Wellness to involve the National Parent-Teacher Association, the Guidance Counsellors Association, and the Jamaica Teachers’ Association in the review process to ensure that the app aligns with the country’s cultural norms and values.

COURTNEY GORDON

Chairman

The Jamaica Umbrella

Groups of Churches