Hundreds Rally In Valletta Demanding Abortion Decriminalisation
Hundreds gathered outside the Law Courts in Valletta this morning, sending a clear message: abortion is not a crime, and no one should live in fear, stigma, or silence when seeking healthcare.
The rally, organised by the Voice for Choice coalition, brought together activists, academics, lawyers, and concerned citizens calling for lawmakers to end the criminalisation of abortion in Malta.
Prof. Marceline Naudi of Academics for Choice reminded the crowd: “I have every right to hold my beliefs, but I do not have the right to impose them on others… I cannot judge others according to mine, in the same way that they cannot judge me by theirs.”
James Buhagiar from Men Against Violence spoke directly to men in the crowd: “It is our duty to speak on behalf of our mothers, daughters, sisters, colleagues, and friends whenever their voices are silenced… Support women in Malta in their rightful quest to be treated as human beings.”
Dr Emma Portelli Bonnici from Lawyers for Choice added: “Abortion is not a crime. Abortion is healthcare. We are not asking for permission. We are demanding equity and justice.”
The protest comes amid recent prosecutions of women in Malta for abortion, with activists warning that criminalisation pushes people into unsafe situations and sends a dangerous message: stay at home and risk your life.
The coalition emphasised that abortion is common and normal, thousands of women in Malta have had abortions in the past decade, and criminalisation only harms people’s wellbeing.
Voice for Choice thanked everyone who joined the rally and pledged to continue pushing for change until abortion is decriminalised.
The 13 organisations part of the coalition include Academics for Choice, aditus foundation, Doctors for Choice, Grandparents for Choice, Lawyers for Choice, Malta Humanists Association, Men Against Violence, MGRM, Moviment Graffitti, Parents for Choice, Students for Choice, Women’s Rights Foundation, and Young Progressive Beings.
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Photo credits to Voice For Choice – L-għażla tagħha
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