Watch: ‘They Believe It’s Political Suicide’ – MEP Cyrus Engerer Says Why PL And PN Politicians Don’t Speak Out About Abortion
Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer confidently declared that politicians both from the government and the opposition are personally in favour of abortion but are too afraid to say so.
“They believe that it’s political suicide,” Engerer told Lovin Malta during a pro-choice rally in Brussels in front of the Maltese embassy when asked why decision-makers do not speak up since they’re in an optimal position to make a change.
Engerer explained that the fear of speaking out runs deep in Maltese politics when it comes to this issue. He stated that it has become normalised to not even mention the topic because it’s “a given” that while this healthcare is not available in our country, people can either go abroad to get it through their own means or seek help from organisations like Doctors for Choice or Women’s Rights Foundation.
“This needs to change because not everyone can afford it and not everyone has the means or contacts to access abortion in our country in a safe way.”
When asked whether he knows if any of these closeted pro-choice politicians feel guilty for the damage that they’re doing to the movement and to the women and pregnant persons they clearly sympathise for, he said that he does not know.
However, he maintained that he knows Members of Parliament from both sides who share the same beliefs as the 80 activists who joined him in Brussels to fight for this to become a right.
“There are MPs who believe that abortion should be in the healthcare system and should be safe and legal for all those who need it. Some have slightly spoken up about it and I’m sure that more will come forward in the near future.”
Lovin Malta attended the 48 hours of intensive protests, panel discussions, and screenings in Brussels organised by the Women’s Rights Foundation, Moviment Graffitti, MGRM, and Engerer.
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Featured image: David Mallia.
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