On International Safe Abortion Day, the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is calling for an end to stigma, discrimination and misinformation surrounding abortion, particularly across social media in Guyana.
Abortion has been legally available in Guyana for more than three decades under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. Importantly, Guyana’s law allows abortion on request during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. A woman does not have to prove rape, incest, a threat to her health or another specific circumstance to exercise that choice during this period.
Women also do not require the permission of a husband or partner to access abortion care. Pregnant girls do not require parental or guardian consent. While healthcare providers may encourage communication with a parent, guardian or partner, the law does not require their consent or notification.
“Abortion is legal in Guyana. Women and girls should not be made to believe that they must first experience violence, trauma or some exceptional circumstance before their reproductive choices are valid. The law recognises choice. We must also respect that choice,” said Kobe Smith, Executive Director of GRPA.
“People are entitled to their personal, moral and religious beliefs about abortion. Those who do not agree with abortion should not have one. But those beliefs should not be used to shame, discriminate against or interfere with another person’s lawful healthcare choices,” Smith added.
GRPA is particularly concerned about increasingly stigmatising and hostile commentary online. Stigma does not prevent abortion. It can instead discourage people from seeking accurate information and safe, timely healthcare.
As Guyana continues its constitutional reform process, GRPA will, before the end of 2026, make a formal submission to the Constitutional Reform Commission proposing constitutional protection for reproductive autonomy, including access to abortion. The proposal will seek to build upon the protections established under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.
After more than 30 years of legal abortion access, GRPA believes Guyana must continue moving towards a society where reproductive healthcare can be accessed without fear, shame or discrimination.
GRPA remains committed to providing confidential, respectful and non-judgmental sexual and reproductive healthcare and calls on healthcare professionals, media practitioners, community leaders, public figures and social media users to discuss abortion responsibly.
On International Safe Abortion Day, our message is clear: abortion care is healthcare. Choice is a right under Guyana’s existing legal framework, and every woman and girl deserves privacy, dignity and respect when making decisions about her reproductive health.
