135 doctors have signed a judicial protest demanding a review on the blanket ban on abortions in Malta in the wake of the shocking case of Andrea Prudente, who had to be airlifted out of Malta to get a life-saving procedure after authorities refused to terminate her pregnancy despite health risks. 

“Had this happened practically anywhere else but Malta, Prudente would have been given the option by doctors to terminate the pregnancy and safeguard her health. However, this cannot happen in Malta because abortion is illegal under all circumstances,” Profs Isabelle Stabile said in a statement.

Prudente was airlifted out of Malta after her private international insurance intervened, but the same medical situation she found herself in affects two to three women in Malta, most of whom don’t have the insurance to cover the treatment abroad.

“Our laws are neglecting these women, risking their lives needlessly,” Stabile said, adding that the law is tying doctors’ hands when they need to act. 

“Doctors in Malta refuse to accept this legal situation. Within just four days, 135 doctors have signed a judicial protest asking for a review of our blanket ban on abortion care. Among us are specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology, family medicine, psychiatry, paediatrics, and more.”

“The overwhelming sentiment behind this demand is empathy. “

“We hope that laws created in 1850s will be reconsidered and updated to allow an evidence-based practice, without condemning public citizens and their doctors to criminality.”