Estonia has called on Antigua and Barbuda to reform legislation restricting access to abortion to protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls.

The recommendation was made during Antigua and Barbuda’s fourth Universal Periodic Review before the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Estonia urged the Government to “review and reform legislation restricting access to abortion” and ensure sexual and reproductive health and rights for all women and girls.

The Estonian delegation also welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to promote equality and prevent discrimination against LGBTQ people, along with progress made in protecting children and providing access to free education.

Its other recommendations included adequately funding the National Strategic Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence 2023–2027 and establishing a formal moratorium on the death penalty.

Antigua and Barbuda did not respond directly to the abortion recommendation during the proceedings.

The country’s delegation reserved its position on all recommendations received and said the Government would conduct consultations before formally indicating which proposals it would accept.

Recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review are submitted by individual countries as part of a peer-review process. They do not automatically change Antigua and Barbuda’s laws.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Estonia Urges Antigua and Barbuda to Reform Abortion Laws.