Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1983-4, Barbados
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act establishes the legal framework for abortion procedures in Barbados.
As per the Medical Registration Act, a licensed medical practitioner may perform an abortion at up to 12 weeks gestation if they believe, in good faith, that continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman’s life or could cause serious harm to her physical or mental health. A woman’s written statement claiming her pregnancy resulted from rape or incest is considered sufficient proof of mental health risk. Termination is permitted under the same conditions from 12 to 20 weeks, but it requires the agreement of two medical practitioners. If the pregnancy is beyond 20 weeks, then three medical practitioners must determine in good faith that the procedure is urgently necessary to save the woman’s life or prevent significant harm to her or the fetus.
Medical opinions are not required in cases involving rape, incest, or immediate threats to the woman’s life or health. A medical practitioner may request written consent from the pregnant woman unless the procedure is urgently required to prevent life-threatening or severe, lasting harm. For individuals under 16 or those otherwise deemed unable to consent (as defined in the Mental Health Act), parental or guardian consent is required. Abortions beyond 12 weeks must be performed in a hospital approved by the Minister.
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- 1985
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