Two physicians are urging the government of Antigua and Barbuda to repeal a colonial-era abortion law that has remained largely unchanged for over a century and a half.
According to Antigua Observer, Dr. Dane Abbott and Dr. Frederick Nunes appeared on Observer Radio's Big Issues programme, where they argued that the country's 1861 abortion law — inherited from England — should be removed from the books entirely. The doctors noted that despite significant legal reforms elsewhere across the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda's legislation has never been substantially updated.
As reported by Antigua Observer, the two physicians also referenced a constitutional challenge to the existing law, signalling that the issue is gaining renewed legal and medical attention in the twin-island nation.
The calls from Dr. Abbott and Dr. Nunes highlight a growing conversation around reproductive health policy in Antigua and Barbuda, with medical professionals increasingly voicing concern that outdated legislation may affect the standard of care available to women in the country.
