Watch: The SHE Word Uncovers The Hidden Pain Of Malta’s Abortion Ban Through A Heartbreaking Survivor’s Story
A powerful new episode of The SHE Word delved into the real-life experiences of women affected by Malta’s blanket ban on abortion, highlighting the devastating impact it can have on those in unimaginable situations.
One of the most harrowing stories shared in the episode was that of a woman who found herself pregnant after being raped by her ex-partner—a medical professional who, despite her expertise, was so traumatised that she refused a rape kit and did not even consider the possibility of pregnancy at first.
This special episode, titled “Women and the Blanket Ban: The Real Story of Abortion in Malta,” sees host Trudy Kerr joined by Davinia Hamilton, Marta Vella, and Maria Pisani to discuss the realities of abortion in Malta, going beyond the polarised opinions to focus on the lived experiences of real women, couples, and families.
View this post on Instagram
During the discussion, Marta Vella shared the harrowing experience of a woman who was in an abusive relationship but had managed to break free.
On Valentine’s Day, her ex showed up at her doorstep with flowers and chocolates, apologising and asking for another chance. She let him in—what she later called “the biggest mistake of her life.”
The next thing she remembers is being punched and blacking out. She woke up the next morning, bruised, with her underwear around her ankles.
Despite her medical background, she was so overwhelmed by shock and denial that she refused a rape kit when offered one at the hospital.
Weeks later, she missed her period and realised she was pregnant. She eventually made the painful decision to have an abortion, confiding in only one friend—the same friend who later passed away from cancer, leaving her feeling more alone than ever with her trauma.
Unlike other discussions on abortion that often focus on ideological debates, The SHE Word episode centres on real stories that highlight the human cost of Malta’s strict abortion laws.
The conversation also touches on the hidden reality of underground abortions and the struggles of those forced to travel abroad for medical care they cannot access in their own country.
The guests also address the role of men in pregnancy and abortion discussions, as well as what can be done to prevent unwanted pregnancies in the first place.
The full episode of The SHE Word is out now, offering an unfiltered and deeply emotional look at the impact of Malta’s abortion ban.
READ NEXT: Henry Galea Ranked Among The Top 10 SFX Makeup Influencers In The World
