Home » Barbados » Barbados – Maternity and Giving Birth

Barbados – Maternity and Giving Birth

Barbados is an island country located in the Caribbean, with a population of over 287,000 people. When it comes to giving birth in Barbados, most births take place in hospitals or birthing centers. Home births are becoming more popular in Barbados, but still make up a relatively small percentage of overall births.

Pregnant women in Barbados have access to a range of services to support their pregnancy and childbirth, including prenatal care, birthing classes, and postnatal support. Most hospitals and birthing centers in Barbados have well-equipped maternity wards, and women have the option of giving birth vaginally or via cesarean section, depending on their medical needs and preferences.

Registering a Birth in Barbados

If you give birth in Barbados, you will need to register the birth with the Barbados Registrar of Births and Deaths. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Obtain a birth certificate from the hospital or birthing center where the birth took place. This certificate should include information about the baby’s name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names and identities of the parents.

  2. Contact the Barbados Registrar of Births and Deaths to schedule an appointment to register the birth. You will need to bring the birth certificate, along with identification documents for both parents.

  3. At the appointment, the registrar will review the documents and register the birth. You will receive a birth certificate for your child.

Attitudes and Legislation Surrounding Abortion in Barbados

Abortion is illegal in Barbados, except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. The penalty for having an abortion in Barbados is imprisonment for up to life. Women who seek illegal abortions in Barbados may face criminal charges and imprisonment.

The attitudes towards abortion in Barbados are generally conservative, with many people viewing abortion as morally wrong. However, there are also groups and organizations that advocate for women’s reproductive rights and access to safe and legal abortion services.

Giving birth in Barbados generally takes place in hospitals or birthing centers, with home births becoming more popular but still relatively uncommon. Pregnant women in Barbados have access to a range of services to support their pregnancy and childbirth, and registering a birth in Barbados involves obtaining a birth certificate and scheduling an appointment with the Barbados Registrar of Births and Deaths. While abortion is illegal in Barbados except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk, access to safe and legal abortion services remains a complex and ongoing issue, with barriers and restrictions limiting women’s reproductive rights and access to care.


Get Our Best Articles Every Month!

Get our free moving abroad email course AND our top stories in your inbox every month


Unsubscribe any time. We respect your privacy - read our privacy policy.



Latest Videos

Expat Focus Financial Update February 2024 #expat #expatlife

Expat Focus 28 February 2024 2:53 pm

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Important: No API Key Entered.

Many features are not available without adding an API Key. Please go to the YouTube Feeds settings page to add an API key after following these instructions.