Abortion in Sint Maarten is illegal, although it may be permissible in circumstances where a pregnancy threatens the woman's life.
The maximum sentences may be raised by a third if a health professional is involved—including doctors, midwives and pharmacists—and they may be banned from their profession.
[1] These three territories became autonomous countries in 2010, but there remains public apprehension about whether the Netherlands will continue to attempt to "impose its liberal values and legislation" on the Dutch Caribbean, with abortion law being a chief concern.
[2] Although abortion is illegal in Sint Maarten, it is fairly commonplace as part of a system of "institutionalised tolerance".
It is therefore common for women in Sint Maarten seeking abortions to travel to Saint Martin, "just a walk away across the border".