The High Court has dismissed a constitutional challenge to Antigua and Barbuda’s abortion laws, ruling that Sections 56 and 57 of the Offences Against the Person Act do not violate the Constitution, according to state media.
Justice Jan Drysdale delivered the ruling, leaving the contested provisions in place. The applicants retain the right to appeal.
Dr. David Dorsett, who represented the Attorney General, said abortion can still be lawful where continuing a pregnancy poses serious risks to a woman’s physical or mental health, subject to proper medical assessment.
His explanation indicates that the legislation does not prohibit abortion in every circumstance, despite the court’s rejection of the constitutional challenge.
The case formed part of a campaign to change the country’s abortion laws. The applicants had argued that the provisions created uncertainty about the distinction between lawful and unlawful terminations, affecting both women seeking care and medical practitioners.
The matter proceeded after Drysdale rejected the government’s preliminary attempt to have it struck out in October 2024. The Court of Appeal subsequently upheld that decision in February 2025, allowing the constitutional arguments to be heard at trial.
That earlier appeal concerned whether the challenge should proceed. The latest ruling addresses the constitutionality of the contested legislation.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: High Court upholds Antigua and Barbuda’s abortion laws.