Should Abortion Be Illegal?

With a leaked draft opinion revealing that the United States Supreme Court has voted to strike down Roe vs. Wade, a landmark decision from 1973 where the court ruled that the United States Constitution protected a pregnant woman’s liberty to have an abortion without excessive government restrictions, questions are being asked about The Bahamas’ position on abortion.

Abortion is illegal in The Bahamas, although a 2012 UN report revealed that the government was aware of cases where licensed physicians performed abortions for justifiable reasons. At the time, the government said such abortions were possible because the law against abortions was interpreted liberally.

In that 2012 report, the government stated that abortions in The Bahamas are performed on the grounds of fetal deformity, rape, and incest, as well as on health grounds.

In other countries such as Barbados, abortions are legalized on the books in a wide array of circumstances.

Dachnique Evans, a logistics manager explains why she is pro-choice.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Michael Darville was asked about government’s position on abortions back in February.

He says while his own view on it is complex, he wouldn’t state what the government’s position is.

Tiffany Bowleg is a stay-at-home mom who doesn’t support legalizing abortion. Stevania Mitchell, a 25-year-old cashier and mother of three, agrees with Bowleg, saying abortion goes against God’s word. But, there are others who believe in a woman’s right to choose.

Forty-year-old horticulturist Angelo Hamilton and Vernetta Evans, a defence force officer, explains why.