An anonymous group of independent medical professionals have banded together to form a group advocating for the safe access to abortion in Malta.

Doctors for Choice Malta is calling for the introduction of “safe, accessible, comprehensive, evidence-based reproductive healthcare in Malta” in order for women to make a fully informed choice on their pregnancy.

“In Malta, abortion is a criminal offence and women continue to be denied true autonomy over their bodies,” the group said in a statement. “They are deprived of their right to seek safe, high-quality healthcare. Women who require abortion services do so because of unique, and often complex, medical, psychological or social reasons. Malta’s present legislation results in a violation of human rights and denial of patients’ right to safe health services. This ultimately leads to poorer health outcomes.”

“All of us are based in Malta or have strong links to the country, and we are concerned at the current legal situation which bans abortion in all circumstances, no matter how negative an effect this is having on a woman’s physical and psychological health,” the movement continued.

Abortion remains highly controversial in the predominately Catholic Malta, with surveys strongly showing the overwhelming majority were against the practice. Both main parties have been quick to stress they are against abortion.

However, PN Leader Adrian Delia has repeatedly suggested the government actually wants to introduce it, pointing to the PL’s signing of a European Parliamentary manifesto which states that everyone has the right to decide over their own body.

Even smaller parties have been split over the issue, with Arnold Cassola walking out on AD after MEP candidate Mina Tolu called for a national discussion on abortion.

It would appear that the debate is gathering steam, with a pro-choice grassroots coalition aimed to bring abortion to the forefront of the national debate was launched last March.

President George Vella has even unequivocally stated that he will resign before signing abortion into law.

What do you make of this movement?

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Julian Bonnici

Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.