Towards Responsible Parenthood
An Appeal for the Review of the Legal Status of Abortion
There is overwhelming evidence supporting the fact that the current
criminal law on abortion needs to be reformed. The law at present,
under Section 56 of the Offences Against the Person Act, makes
it a criminal offence to unlawfully terminate
a pregnancy. The present law is a threat to women’s
health. Unsafe abortions sometimes result in permanent damage
to women rendering many infertile.
In light of this we the undersigned are calling on the Government
of Trinidad and Tobago to:
- Provide a clarification of the state of the law on abortion
currently in force,
- Establish a formal inquiry into the impact of the law on women’s
health and,
- Initiate an unbiased, public dialogue on the merits and concerns
of decriminalizing abortion.
- Not include the Clause 5 (2) of the Draft Constitution which
states ““Everyone has the right to have
his life respected and this right shall be protected by law and,
in general, from the moment of conception.”
We ask that the Government open its eyes, it ears, its heart and
its mind to our request so that it can give voice to our concerns
for the sanctity of life, women's reproductive and sexual health,
social justice, social equity and human rights.
We ask for an open, transparent process in which all our citizens
are given a fair opportunity to voice their views on the operation
and impact of the criminal law of abortion.
Our manifest intention is not to engage in an abortion debate
but to engage others in a dialogue on abortion and related issues.
We must come to terms with the reality that the social situation
leading up to unwanted pregnancy exists independent of any law
on abortion, either liberal or restrictive. We are seeking to reform
our present law because it is ineffective at best and detrimental
to women at worst, in its current restrictive state.
We ask for openness, fairness and inclusion in assessing and contributing
to the public policies that govern our lives.
We ask to be heard on an issue that, though controversial, will
continue to degenerate and harm our women if left unattended.
Let us be heard.
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