Lawyer Must Represent Unborn Baby In Andrea Prudente Abortion Case, Peppi Azzopardi Urges
After Andrea Prudente mounted a legal challenge against Malta’s strict abortion laws, renowned TV journalist Peppi Azzopardi issued a particular request to the courts.
“A case has been filed for Malta to legalise abortion. I hope that the courts ensure that in this case, and other similar ones, a lawyer is present to represent the baby. It’s not fair for babies to be killed without anyone defending them.”
Prudente was 16 weeks pregnant when she suffered a miscarriage while on holiday in Malta. Although doctors ruled that her pregnancy was unviable, she wasn’t allowed to terminate it, in line with Maltese law that doesn’t allow abortions unless the mother’s life is at risk.
She was eventually airlifted to Spain, where she terminated her pregnancy.
Prudente spoke to several international media houses, including the UK’s The Guardian, about her ordeal, with the case making international headlines.
She has now filed a constitutional case against Health Minister Chris Fearne, Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg, and Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg, arguing that the applicable clauses of the Maltese Criminal Law go against the European Convention on Human Rights.
She is also asking the constitutional courts to declare that her rights were breached and to financially compensate her for damages.
Prudente is being represented by lawyer Lara Dimitrijevic, who is also the founder of the Women’s Rights Foundation, which has been working tirelessly to decriminalise abortion in Malta.
Should Malta legalise abortion?
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