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The Legal Affairs Minister, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, has announced that the government is prepared to contest efforts by local medical practitioners to challenge the country’s existing abortion laws.
A group of local campaigners led by gynecologist Dr. Dane Abbott has initiated a constitutional challenge against the anti-abortion laws. Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin confirmed that legal papers were served to his office on Monday morning.
The current laws, stated under the Offences of the Person Act, impose a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars for a woman who terminates her pregnancy, with anyone aiding her facing up to two years in prison. The only exception allowed by law is if the woman’s life is at risk.
Dr. Abbott emphasized that the legal action seeks a ruling from the courts declaring the 1861 law unconstitutional.
He also mentioned that a group known as ASPIRE (Advocates for Safe Parenthood, Improving Reproductive Equity) has voiced similar sentiments across the Caribbean.
Dr. Abbott highlighted that ASPIRE has active groups in Trinidad, Guyana, St. Lucia, and Dominica, with the group in Dominica also pursuing a comparable case to challenge the existing abortion law.
“We have been served by a group of doctors and we are looking at it strenuously and we will defend it”, Sir Steadroy said
In response to this legal challenge, the Antigua and Barbuda Evangelical Alliance has issued a forceful statement condemning the lawsuit.
The Alliance highlighted that similar legal challenges have occurred in Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth of Dominica, with the public only becoming aware when the matters were presented in court.
“We have been served by a group of doctors and we are looking at it strenuously and we will defend it”, Sir Steadroy said.
In response to this legal challenge, the Antigua and Barbuda Evangelical Alliance has issued a forceful statement condemning the lawsuit.
The Alliance highlighted that similar legal challenges have occurred in Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth of Dominica, with the public only becoming aware when the matters were presented in court.
The Evangelical Alliance expressed staunch opposition to what they perceive as an agenda driven by international entities seeking to undermine the nation’s moral values under the guise of promoting human rights.
They have urged the government to stand firm against the lawsuit and uphold the country’s collective stance on preserving life, nurturing moral integrity, and promoting a values-driven society for future generations.
So, once again, men have control over a woman’s body! When their girlfriends want abortions, they can fly out and get them done! Family planning has a lot to do with economics. Having five children to feed and care for, without the resources to do so, keeps one in a constant state of abject poverty! A woman’s body is her business!!