“Next week, discussions are going to continue to intensify. We’re going to continue to meet with people to identify the general consensus about what potential abuses could occur, so that we can address them.”

Abela highlighted the importance of ensuring “there will not be any sort of abuses resulting from the bill or amendment we are putting forward” while insisting once again, “that the health of a mother is the most important thing, and we will continue to move forwards with this amendment”.

Since mid-December – when Bill 28 passed through its second of three readings in Parliament – it has been a flashpoint for pro-life activists and public figures in particular. 

The row over Malta’s criminalised abortion was intensified last summer when American tourist Andrea Prudente had to leave Malta for Spain to receive potentially life-saving treatment denied to her in Malta. 

Despite this, evidence released by Doctors Choice Malta suggests that there is significant demand for abortion procedures in Malta. Presumably, this applies to cases which do not threaten a mother’s health.

Those seeking to terminate a pregnancy without medical necessity in Malta are still doing so illegally, and the proposed bill is not likely to change that fact. 

In some cases, women have considered taking drastic – and potentially extremely dangerous action – to ensure that their bodies and futures remain within their own control.

Abela’s statement prioritised “the protection of a prospective mother’s life, and the health of a mother going through a pregnancy which is in any way dangerous.”

Despite this, it is clear that what is meant by protecting a prospective mother’s life is not the same for those who are against, and for abortion. Those in favour of a woman’s right to choose might argue for an expansion in defining what it means to protect a mother’s life, beyond that which is medically necessary.

Abela explained that debate and discussion will continue over the coming week. Following this, all considerations will be collated and brought to a “Parliamentary Committee, in order to ensure that as much of what has been discussed will be addressed in full by the amendments”.

Are you likely to be satisfied by forthcoming amendments to Bill 28?