To determine the stance of providers in Jamaica regarding the suggested change in abortion law, a face-to-face anonymous survey of 35 obstetrician-gynecologists and 228 general practitioners in Kingston was used to assess knowledge, opinions and practice.
"Pregnant and afraid? Can't afford it? Not sure of the father? Don't put your future in Umbo ... Get rid of it ... Abortion pills available ... $6,000 one-time cost," reads a section of a broadcast message he sent out as he asked contacts to spread the word. "With the illegal use of Misoprostol by people, they are terminating pregnancies on their own and not going to unscrupulous persons who would insert all kinds of unclean objects in them which results in sepsis and puts them in danger," Dr [Horace Fletcher] said. "It is used every single day by doctors to induce labour, postpartum haemorrhage (bleeding a lot after delivery) for people who have missed abortions, and it is also used for incomplete abortions," he explained, even as he noted the danger that users face by using the pill without medical supervision.
Discusses the highlights of a 2-day workshop organized by Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) held in Antigua, Guatemala. The advocacy workshop which coincided with the Latin American and Caribbean Women's Health Network (LACWHN) members consultation meeting in October 2010 focused on access to safe and legal abortion.
This article elaborates on some important concepts in the matter of abortion, the issue of revelant legislation, and ends with pertinent recommendations. Adopting a bioethical perspective, the paper addresses the relevant issues and perspectives on abortion and argues for clarity of concepts and understanding of the context in which a woman is pregnant and considers abortion.
Looks at Barbados's experience of abortion law reform undertaken in the 1980s. The movement was led by then Cabinet Minister and lawyer Billie Miller. Documents the nuances, important moments, key strategies and major players in the reform movement, and highlights the critical role that Miller played in getting the Medical Termination Act passed in 1983. Background information on the situation of Barbadian women and the nature of parliamentary governance at that time is also addressed in order to give context to the politics surrounding the issue.
Discusses the highlights of a seminar on democracy, freedom and reproductive rights sponsored by Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales-Chile in Santiago, Chile on June 21, 2011. The event recognized abortion as a priority issue in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Examines recent aspects of the debate on the legalisation of abortion in Jamaica. Highlights the recommendations of the Abortion Policy Review Group which reviewed health implications in Jamaica and assessed existing laws in the wider Caribbean on abortion. Using feminist analysis the paper also explores the challenges faced by those arguing for legislative reform on abortion services in Jamaica within the larger framework of reproductive health and rights.
Seventeen years after Guyana introduced a positive, liberal abortion law, the government, professional bodies and civil society together have failed to give any leadership in implementing that law. How can one explain that after an outstanding campaign of extensive ministerial and parliamentary consultation, as well as widespread engagement from religious organisations and the media, so little has been done by way of implementing the law? This paper seeks to trace some aspects of the campaign for law reform and to learn from the difficulties of providing services over the last seventeen years.
About the Colectiva Mujer y Salud or Women and Health Collective from the Dominican Republic leadership in coordinating efforts to decriminalize abortion in Latin America and the Caribbean through the September 28 Campaign. Notes that the Campaign's action is driven by factors including restrictive abortion laws, persecution of women who engage in the practice despite the risks, institutional obstacles, and interference from organized religion.
