September 28, 2024

The Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) stands in full support of Senator Arianna Hodgson’s call for urgent discourse on abortion rights. In response to the article published on 27th September in The Royal Gazette, titled Call for abortion rethink for ‘woman’s right to choose’, WRC expresses deep concern that, in 2023, systemic barriers continue to prevent women in Bermuda from exercising their fundamental right to make decisions about their bodies and futures.

Abortion remains a sensitive subject in our community, but that sensitivity should not deter us as advocates and leaders from addressing this critical issue. We commend Senator Hodgson for her courage in confronting a topic that is both divisive and crucial for women’s health and rights.

Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director of WRC, stated: “We are acutely aware of the challenges women in Bermuda face regarding access to abortions. Although current legislation allows for the procedure, requiring a woman to seek approval from a committee for a personal health decision is demeaning and fundamentally undermines gender equity. No equivalent legislation governs a man’s anatomy or his abiliqty to access to procedures that benefit his health.”

“Moreover, the process to obtain an abortion is often inaccessible for low-income or uninsured women, highlighting another layer of healthcare inequity.”

Historically, the abortion debate has been framed as a moral or ethical issue. However, it is imperative to view it for what it truly is—a matter of human rights and bodily autonomy. Women should be empowered to make informed decisions about their own health and well-being without external interference or undue barriers.

Ms. Crockwell continued: “At the Women’s Resource Centre, we work to empower women with the confidence, education, and tools to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. That is the essence of our empowerment and prevention programmes—equipping women to make informed choices. Denying women the right to make decisions about their own bodies fundamentally undermines that principle.”

“While the topic may be sensitive, it is, at its core, simple: a woman must have the ability to make choices about her body, her future, and her life. Stripping away that choice, in any circumstance, is deeply problematic.”

This issue transcends gender; it is not solely a women’s issue but a human rights and social justice issue that affects the entire community. Denying women the right to choose undermines the very principles of equality and justice upon which our society is built, and the repercussions ripple throughout families and communities.

Bermuda’s legislative framework on abortion is outdated and requires reform to reflect the fundamental rights of individuals. Under the current system, the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Therapeutic Abortion Committee reviews and advises on all abortion requests to ensure that the information provided justifies the procedure. This model, introduced in Canada in 1968, was later deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1988. Yet, 36 years later, Bermuda continues to rely on this process, which—despite serving some women’s needs—is unconstitutional and outdated.

There are currently only 51 countries where abortion is legally accessible at a woman's request, with no need for justification. Additionally, only 22 countries permit abortion based on social or economic circumstances, and an even smaller number—just 11 countries—allow it in cases where the pregnant woman has intellectual or cognitive disabilities. As Bermuda grapples with its own laws and policies on this issue, we are presented with a critical opportunity to determine where we stand on women's rights and bodily autonomy.

Women facing unplanned pregnancies must consider multiple factors, including their mental and physical health, financial stability, career aspirations, and personal relationships. Policies surrounding abortion must respect individual circumstances and prioritise human rights, ensuring that women can make choices free from discrimination or unnecessary hurdles.

Ms. Crockwell concluded by stating, “As an organisation, the WRC does not take a position on the morality of abortion. However, we stand firmly on the necessity of a woman’s right to choose. Unfortunately, women in Bermuda still do not fully possess that right, and that is a reality we must address.”

We encourage open, honest dialogue that leads to progressive change, ensuring that every woman in Bermuda has the right to make decisions that directly affect her health, body, and future, advocating for women’s autonomy over their bodies, access to comprehensive healthcare, and robust support systems.

About the Women’s Resource Centre

The Women’s Resource Centre is Bermuda’s leading advocacy and support organization for women. Our mission is to enhance the lives of women by providing them with the resources, education, and support they need to create safe, healthy, and self-sufficient lives. We offer a range of services, including counselling, legal advocacy, and educational programs designed to empower women and support their well-being.