A group of pro-choice activists staged a protest this morning in Triton Square, holding placards against the strong winds with words saying “I had an abortion”. The stunt comes a week before the pro-choice rally on Saturday 30t September.

Happening every year since 2019, the rally sheds light on the brutal realities surrounding the still taboo topic of abortion in Malta. This stunt aims to highlight how common abortion is, despite being illegal.

In Malta alone, at least one person a day uses abortion pills to terminate their pregnancies in the secrecy of their home. The World Health Organisation lists the pills as safe, and are in fact on its list of essential medicines.

Despite this, abortion is still criminalised in Malta and anyone who has or helps with an abortion may face up to 3 years imprisonment.

“Just a few months ago, a woman was prosecuted for having an abortion after being reported to the police by her abusive partner. The State helped perpetuate the cycle of violence,” the activists said in a statement.

“Abortion bans and the criminalisation of women and pregnant people do not and will neverstop abortions from happening,” they warned.

“Instead, they only create an environment of fear, perpetuate feelings of shame and guilt, and reinforce stigmatisation and social ostracism.”

People who have abortions, the group continued, should not be judged or criminalised.

“All residents of Malta deserve to be treated with respect. We should be granted the autonomy to decide what is best for ourselves, our bodies, our health, and our lives. We stand here in solidarity with people who do not feel safe and comfortable speaking publicly about their own abortion experiences,” the activists finished.

The rally, which will take place on Saturday 30th September, starting at 4 pm from Castille Square, will call for abortion to be decriminalised, normalised, destigmatised, and made available and accessible locally.

The 14 organisations in the Voice for Choice Coalition are:

Academics for Choice

aditus foundation

Doctors for Choice

Grandparents for Choice

Integra Foundation

Lawyers for Choice

Malta Humanists Association

Men Against Violence

MGRM

Moviment Graffitti

Parents for Choice

Students for Choice

Women’s Rights Foundation

Young Progressive Beings

Photo: Nina Musumeci 

Will you be attending this year’s pro-choice rally?