One step closer to national survey on abortion

Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE) yesterday received a financial boost for its national survey on the issue of legalised abortion in TT.

ASPIRE’s executive director Glennis Hyacenth was happy to accept a cheque for $7,500 from former president of the TT Family Planning Association Emile Elias at his Long Circular Road office. She told Newsday: “We need to get public opinion. For far too long the issue has been dealt with secretly. Some people started discussion but it was shut down. We want to make it public.” The survey will canvass views on legalised abortion, the need for review of legislation and under what circumstances, if any, should this happen.

Last month, St Lucia legalised abortion, but only in cases of rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother. The new criminal code replaces one from 1920 which had a penalty of two years for persons convicted of doing abortions. The penalty for doing an abortion under the new law is seven years. Hyacenth said St Lucia has certainly moved a step ahead and should be commended. ASPIRE’s attempts to get dialogue with the authorities on a new civil law for legalised abortion has so far yielded no results.

Hyacenth said November 25 is one year and two weeks since the organisation submitted its request for clarification of abortion laws and an enquiry into the situation in TT. ASPIRE has said the antiquated criminal legislation which is still in effect has failed and perpetuated social injustice between rich and poor women because the rich have easier access. The net result of illegal and severely restricted abortions has been clandestine service outside the Medical Council’s scrutiny.