‘Action, Not Words!’ – Multiple NGOs March The Streets Of Valletta To Demand Decriminalisation Of Abortion
The turnout at yesterday’s Abortion Rights Rally, an annual event hosted by Voice for Choice coalition, was a testament to the effect criminalisation of abortion has on the population.
The march around the streets of Valletta was aimed at demanding concrete action within the nation and to fully decriminalise abortion. Speeches regarding the topic were delivered by members of the coalition as well as international women’s rights activists.
“Just last year, a woman was prosecuted for having an abortion after being reported to the police by her abusive partner,” Moviment Graffitti explained in an official statement on behalf of Voice for Choice, “This year, at least two women were investigated or charged after being reported by professionals or services who are supposedly there to support them. The situation is becoming untenable.”
The statement highlighted the current fear surrounding the act and advised women to be cautious of who they discuss their concerns with, whilst offering alternative support systems for their needs.
“The Voice for Choice coalition warned women to be careful about talking of their abortion with professionals and services apart from the ones on the leaflet as women are being reported and investigated by the police,” the organisation warned, “The only services guaranteed not to report women are the Family Planning Advisory Services (FPAS), the Doula Support Services, Women on Web, Women Help Women, and the Abortion Support Network.”
The outlining factor of the march was to provide a voice for the voiceless as 65 Maltese women, trans men and non-binary individuals came together with Doctors for Change to create a banner openly featuring their likeness, a third of which had previously had an abortion.
“By coming forward, they are no longer willing to remain hidden, choosing instead to share their names and faces. The message is a powerful one and others are invited to stand alongside them and be part of this movement,” Moviment Graffitti explains.
“Abortion bans do not and will never stop abortions. Instead, they serve to keep people scared of legal repercussions, feeling stigmatised and shunned. Voice for Choice said that they will continue to be vocal on the importance of decriminalising abortion. They said that abortion must be made available and accessible in Malta, and should be stigma-free,” the statement concluded.
The organisations that banded together advocate for the necessity of “Actions, Not Words!”, and emphasise their reliance until action is taken within the nation.
Do you agree with the demands of these organisations?
READ NEXT: Valletta Burns Through The Ranks As Europe's Second Hottest Capital
