Belize’s Abortion Debate Is Back. Why?
The debate over abortion in Belize has resurfaced, with the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA) renewing its call for changes to the country’s abortion laws.
BFLA Executive Director Joan Burke says the organisation wants abortion to be addressed as a public health and reproductive health issue.
“Abortion, whether induced or spontaneous, continue to be among the leading cause of hospitalization in our medical facilities here in Belize,” said Burke
Under Belize’s Criminal Code, intentionally and unlawfully causing an abortion or miscarriage is an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
However, the law allows for medical termination of pregnancy in specific circumstances, including where there is a substantial risk that the child would be born with physical or mental abnormalities resulting in serious handicap.
Burke says BFLA is seeking greater access to reproductive healthcare and changes to what it considers barriers within the existing system.
That position is opposed by Church Senator Louis Wade, who maintains that Belize’s existing laws provide adequate protection for both women and unborn children.
“I believe that the current laws that we have are adequate,” Wade said. “They make a consideration for the medical issues that are associated with difficult pregnancies, and they also safeguard healthy babies.”
Wade said Belizeans should be protected both before and after birth, maintaining the Church’s opposition to broader access to abortion.
For Seed of Life, a pro-life organisation, the response also involves providing support to women who face difficult pregnancies.
Seed of Life founder Lisbeth Ayuso said the organisation provides counselling and material assistance to women and families, including support with clothing and other necessities.
“Counseling is very important,” Ayuso said. “A lot of these women come from situations that cause trauma in their lives, and so you find that they are unable to survive in life the way normal folk would or those that have support can.”
Ayuso said Seed of Life does not encourage abortion and instead supports women in continuing their pregnancies, while also providing assistance after the birth of a child.