ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Healthcare professionals, activists, and local advocates are rallying against an outdated law in Antigua and Barbuda that severely restricts access to abortion, sparking a crucial conversation about reproductive rights in this small twin-island nation.
Recently, a prominent local court decided in favor of moving forward with a legal challenge initiated by a physician alongside a nonprofit organization, rejecting the government’s attempt to dismiss the case. This development could lead to a groundbreaking ruling that might inspire similar actions in other areas, according to attorney Sherrie-Ann Bradshaw, who is spearheading this constitutional challenge.
Under current laws, abortion is only permitted in instances where a woman’s life is at risk. Existing regulations, which stem from the nation’s colonial past under British rule, impose severe penalties; women who seek to terminate their pregnancies for other reasons face a prison sentence of up to 10 years, while individuals who assist them risk up to two years behind bars.
“The rights of women are being undermined,” stated Alexandrina Wong, the executive director of the organization Women Against Rape. Despite her hopes for a favorable outcome, Wong expressed concerns about the influence of local religious organizations, which could exert pressure on the case.
On December 5, the court is expected to deliver a decision on whether to allow the Antigua and Barbuda Evangelical Alliance to join the case as an interested party. This group represents 66 congregations from seven different religious denominations and, should the judge rule in their favor, they would be able to present their views during the ongoing legal proceedings.
“Who advocates for the rights of that unborn child?” questioned Pastor Olson Daniel, the president of the alliance. “What authority do we have to overturn a divine creation?”
While the government contends that previous legislative amendments made nearly three decades ago have nullified the need for a court case, activists argue otherwise. They assert that the law lacks clarity on the distinction between lawful and unlawful abortions, leading to inconsistent and potentially biased enforcement of the statute.
The lack of clear legal guidelines is said to create a “chilling effect” on individuals looking to seek or provide abortion services, as noted in their challenge. Deputy Solicitor General Carla Brookes-Harris expressed hope that a ruling from the court would clarify the legal landscape surrounding these contentious issues of reproductive rights.
Debates surrounding abortion continue to evoke strong emotions in the socially conservative Caribbean, where the subject remains divisive. Various Caribbean countries impose total bans on abortion, with Jamaica and the Dominican Republic being notable examples, while others, such as Trinidad and Tobago, limit abortion to circumstances where a woman’s life is at risk or her health is in jeopardy.