‘I Am In Full Support Of Decriminalising Abortion,’ James Ryder Tells Doctors For Choice
MEP candidate and comedian James Ryder has clarified his stance on abortion, confirming that he is fully in support of its decriminalisation.
Abortion in Malta is a divisive topic with very few politicians, especially from the two major parties, coming out in support of it.
However, the European Parliament is largely in favour and this was recently reaffirmed by a vote to enshrine abortion into the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
So, Doctors for Choice sent out questions to MEP candidates James Ryder, Mina Tolu (ADPD/Greens), and Arnold Cassola to see where they stand on the issue.
The NGO asked:
1. What is your stance on the decriminalisation of abortion?
2. How do you plan to ensure that individuals have access to safe and legal abortion care?
3. Are you willing to support and promote comprehensive sex education for all individuals?
4. What measures will you take to ensure free access to contraception for those who need it?
To the first question, Ryder responded that Malta is “long overdue when it comes to bodily autonomy, as well as women’s access to healthcare for their own bodies.”
“While this is not in my manifesto, I do aim to vote in favour of its legalisation.”
Meanwhile, Tolu stated that “ADPD is in favour of the decriminalisation of abortion” – aligning themselves with their parties’ values.
“As things currently stand, with health considered a national level competency, MEPs cannot ensure safe and legal abortion care in Malta. As we witness the Labour Government’s inaction vis-a-vis the decriminalisation of abortion, we hope that Malta is spared the deaths and very serious incidents that have happened to women in other countries where abortion has been criminalised.”
“ADPD currently has no seat in the Maltese Parliament, however we continue to fight for one through the constitutional court to represent the over 4,000 people who voted for us in 2022. When we can finally claim our rightful seat in Parliament, the elected individual would present the position of the party on abortion, as presented in our 2022 manifesto.”
Cassola holds a different view from the other two.
“There are those who believe that a foetus is not a human life and therefore openly advocate a woman’s right to abortion. My stance is different. I believe a foetus is a human life at its start and therefore it has to be protected. Of course, in those cases where the mother’s life and health are in danger, priority is to be given to safeguarding the mother,” he responded.
“Sending people to jail in case of an abortion is certainly not acceptable.”
All candidates stated that they are willing to support comprehensive and appropriate sex education while Cassola proposed that “state clinics specialised in advising on sexual health should be set up in each of the 13 districts of Malta”.
Tolu further believes that sex education should be catered to different ages and is inclusive of diverse sexual orientations and genders.
“It is necessary to start educating youth and children on the notion of consent, and the importance of learning how to say ‘no’ to unwanted attention of physical or other nature at a young age. This could include learning how to say no to a hug from a friend or family member when the child does not feel like it!”
“As children grow up, content should be adjusted accordingly, so that they continue to learn how to openly communicate about relationships, their bodies, and eventually sex. Through learning age-appropriate and inclusive communication about relationships, bodies, and sex, we empower children and youth to seek consent, speak up when something happens, and live healthier lives.”
Do you agree with any of these candidates?
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