“Why do choose to keep on living in false illusions even though we know they get us nowhere? When will we update this hypocritical mentality of some of our draconian laws?”

Farrugia urged people to place themselves in the shoes of Prudente’s mother and ask themselves whether they would truly do nothing and leave everything in the hands of destiny.

“People who are pro-life also understand that every life is precious,” he said.

Farrugia had formed part of Grech’s campaign team in his quest to become PN leader in 2020 and became his communications director following his victory. However, he stepped down from the role at the end of 2021.

The PN, as well as the PL, is against the decriminalisation of abortion and has even declared its “pro-life” stance in its statute.

Former PN candidate Emma Portelli Bonnici also urged Malta to update its anti-abortion laws, which she described as “archaic”, “mildly misogynistic” and “fall short of worldwide healthcare standards”.

“A blanket ban on abortion serves to harm women,” she said. “It is not pro-life to watch this woman and her partner suffer this trauma on top of the trauma of a miscarriage, it’s not even humane.” 

“Your emotions, your opinions and your belief system should not factor in to the application of widely accepted scientific and medical standards.”

US couple Andrea Prudente and Jay Weeldreyer have been in Mater Dei Hospital for around a week after being informed that Prudent’s pregnancy will not be a success. Prudente was 16 weeks pregnant.

However, since a foetal heartbeat is still being detected, and Maltese doctors say Prudente’s life is not at risk, they are not signing off on papers that would allow her to travel abroad under medical evacuation to have an abortion performed.

Activist group Young Progressive Beings has called a protest outside Parliament at 5.30pm to highlight the couple’s situation and call for a change in the law.

Should Malta decriminalise abortion?