Five years since Gibraltar voted to legalise abortion

Today marks 5 years since the Abortion Referendum.

The campaign group "Gibraltar for Yes" calls it one of the most significant moments in Gibraltar's modern social and political history. 

The Abortion Referendum marked a change to Gibraltar's legislation, which ended what the Campaign group calls "one of Europe's most restrictive abortion regimes."

On 24th June 2021, 62.9% voted "Yes" to legalise abortion in certain circumstances, compared to 37.1% who voted "No".

For campaigners, the result recognised the need for compassionate, safe and legal reproductive healthcare in Gibraltar.

It says the road to that historic decision was long and at times uncertain, recalling how the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 led to the postponement of the vote until the following year.

Gibraltar For Yes says it was proud to bring together a broad coalition of organisations and individuals who were willing to speak openly about an issue that had for too long been surrounded by silence and stigma.

The group says, on this anniversary, it also reflects on the remarkable solidarity it received from overseas.

It honours all those who contributed to the success of the campaign and highlights that the reversal of reproductive rights in the United States, and attempts to restrict access to reproductive healthcare in parts of Europe, serve as a reminder that progress cannot be taken for granted.

The group says it remains committed to safeguarding the hard-won rights achieved by those who continue to fight for equality, dignity and bodily autonomy.