KINGSTON, Jamaica — With research suggesting that up to one in four Jamaican children are routinely “given” to the wrong father, with such children commonly referred to as “jackets”, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has noted that this practice is compounding the low fertility rate problem Jamaica is facing.

He also warned that it has serious health implications as it relates to family medical histories.

Tufton spoke to the matter in the House of Representatives on Tuesday during his contribution to the 2026-27 Sectoral Debate.