New group to push for abortion legalisation

A newly-set up group intends to push for the legalisation of abortion in Malta.  

It is as yet unknown who is behind the group, with its Facebook page not providing any contact details other than the group’s e-mail address.

Pro-Choice Malta describes itself as “a voluntary organisation composed of individuals who believe that the current situation in Malta regarding women’s access to abortion is severely out-dated and that it is time to open the debate with regards to the legalisation of abortion in the country”.

Malta is the only European country, and one of the few countries in the world, that imposes a blanket ban on abortion and the topic has so far remained taboo int he public sphere. 

All major Maltese political parties have adopted zero-tolerance policies where abortion is concerned, and indeed Pro-Choice Malta could well become the first Maltese NGO to take a strong pro-abortion stance.

“We call on our lawmakers to review this legislation and re-consider the impact that this [blanket] ban is having on the lives of women, on their health, and physical and mental safety,” the group wrote. “Maltese women do carry out abortions in other countries where abortion is allowed, such as the UK, so why shouldn't we provide women with the chance to have a safe abortion in their own country? Illegal abortions put women's lives in danger and women should have access to safe medical procedures in their own country, together with the help and support of their friends and family.”

“Having an abortion is a tough decision but women should feel empowered and have the right to choose. It is a woman's body that will be affected by the pregnancy.”

“A pregnancy can have both mental and physical risks, especially if the woman was raped or has a certain medical history, which may affect her health during the pregnancy. Abortion is a must-have to save the mother's life if it is in danger, and this reality needs to be mirrored in current legislation.”

The group’s Facebook page was set up earlier in July and has garnered 106 ‘likes’ at the time of writing.