This week marked the 30th anniversary of Guyana’s Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (1995) – a law that made Guyana one of the first Caribbean nations to legalize abortion. But reproductive rights advocates say the work is far from over. The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is calling for bold steps to close the gap between what the law guarantees and what women actually experience. “The gap between law and reality is far too wide for many women and girls,” GRPA head Patricia Sheerattan noted in a statement commemorating the law’s anniversary.
In 1995, Guyana’s parliament – led by a PPP/C government – passed the landmark Act, which permits abortion on request up to 8 weeks (and later in pregnancy under certain conditions). The change dramatically reduced maternal deaths from unsafe abortions in subsequent years. However, cultural stigma, patchy implementation, and healthcare disparities still impede access to safe abortion for many, the GRPA says. For example, in some hinterland and rural communities, clinic services are limited or women face judgment from providers, pushing them toward dangerous informal procedures. And while the law requires public hospitals to offer abortion, not all do so consistently due to conscientious objections or resource constraints.
Sheerattan applauded progress made – such as the integration of abortion training in medical curricula and the establishment of some dedicated clinics – but urged a “recommitment” by both government and society to the spirit of the 1995 Act. That means investing in public education to destigmatize abortion, ensuring all regions have trained providers, and streamlining referral systems so that no woman is unnecessarily delayed. It also means confronting lingering taboos. “Too many women still resort to unsafe means out of fear or lack of information, despite abortion being legal,” the GRPA statement said. The Association noted that in the past decade, Guyana has still recorded maternal injury and occasional deaths from botched abortions – tragedies that the 1995 reform intended to eliminate.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, speaking at a separate event, acknowledged the concerns. He pointed out that abortion is free at public facilities, and recent statistics show a majority of abortions are now done safely in clinics. Yet he conceded that “one preventable death is too many,” and agreed that more outreach is needed so women know their rights and options. The Ministry of Health is reportedly reviewing protocols to ensure even private physicians follow proper medical standards when providing terminations.
Women’s rights groups used the anniversary to also push for broader reproductive healthcare improvements – from better contraceptive availability to comprehensive sex education in schools. They argue that the true legacy of the Act will be measured by how empowered Guyana’s women are to make decisions about their bodies without fear or barriers.
As Guyana celebrates a progressive law that is now three decades old, the consensus among advocates is that legal rights must be matched by accessible services and cultural acceptance. The GRPA’s call to action is essentially a reminder that reproductive rights exist not just on paper, but in practice – and that continued commitment is needed to achieve that reality for all.
