A colonial-era rule that essentially forbids abortions is being contested by doctors, nurses, and activists in Antigua and Barbuda, sparking a discussion about women’s reproductive rights in the small twin-island nation.
This month, a top local court rejected the government’s move to quash the case, ruling that a legal challenge filed by a doctor and a nonprofit organization will proceed. Attorney Sherrie-Ann Bradshaw, who brought the constitutional challenge, stated that if the lawsuit is successful, it may result in a historic ruling and encourage other governments to follow suit.
- Advertisement -
Attorney Sherrie-Ann Bradshaw, who brought the constitutional challenge, stated that if the lawsuit is successful, it may result in a historic ruling and encourage other governments to follow suit.
Antigua and Barbuda only permit abortions when a woman’s life is in jeopardy. Women who end their pregnancies under other circumstances might be imprisoned for up to 10 years, and those who assist them could be detained for up to 2 years, according to laws that date back to the country’s time as a British colony.
Alexandrina Wong, executive director of the charity organization Women Against Rape, stated that women’s rights are being violated, “women’s rights are being trampled.”
Although she admitted that pressure from nearby religious organizations had dampened her expectations, Wong hoped for a favorable hearing.
A court will make a decision on December 5 about the inclusion of the Evangelical Alliance of Antigua and Barbuda as an interested party in the lawsuit.
The alliance’s 66 congregations represent seven different Christian groups. The religious organization opposed to abortion would have a chance to be heard during the court case if the judge decided in its favor.
“Who speaks on behalf of that unborn child?” said the alliance’s president, Pastor Olson Daniel. “Who gives us the right to undo what God did?”
The administration has said that since parts of a sexual offenses statute were decriminalized and abolished almost 30 years ago, a judicial struggle is unnecessary.
According to activists, this is untrue. Sections of the statute “fail to provide guidance on the crucial difference between lawful and unlawful termination of pregnancy and consequently, encourage arbitrary and discriminatory application of the law,” according to the court challenge they filed.
It also states that the lack of clarity has a “chilling effect” on those seeking or providing abortions.
Deputy Solicitor General Carla Brookes-Harris said a ruling from the court should help settle the matter and provide guidance regarding the interpretation of the laws.
Abortions remain a contentious issue in the socially conservative Caribbean region.
Several Caribbean nations prohibit abortion altogether, including Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. In contrast, others such as Trinidad and Tobago allow abortions only to save a woman’s life or protect her health.
