High Court Upholds Antigua and Barbuda’s Abortion Laws After Constitutional Challenge
Justice Jan Drysdale dismisses the challenge, while attorney David Dorsett says abortion may still be lawful in cases involving serious risks to a woman’s health.
By Cory Wayland
Antigua and Barbuda’s abortion laws will remain in force after the High Court rejected a constitutional challenge to the legislation.
Justice Jan Drysdale ruled that Sections 56 and 57 of the Offences Against the Person Act do not violate the Constitution. The applicants retain the right to appeal the decision.
Senior Attorney Dr David Dorsett, who represented the Attorney General in the matter, said the ruling does not mean abortion is unlawful in every circumstance.
He explained that an abortion can still be lawful where continuing a pregnancy poses serious risks to a woman’s physical or mental health, subject to proper medical assessment.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/10/27/high-court-upholds-antigua-and-barbuda-s-abortion-laws-after-constitutional-challenge. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

About the author
Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.
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