Voice For Choice: ‘Abortion Bill Has Become A Law That May Kill Women’
The Voice for Choice coalition and its partners have released a statement expressing deep concern over the recent amendments made to Bill 28 today.
“New amendments to the abortion bill are vague, unworkable, and even dangerous and will lead to vulnerable pregnant persons being left permanently disabled or dead.”
The legislation now includes a potentially hazardous stipulation requiring the approval of three “specialists” before a pregnant individual facing severe health risks can have an abortion.
While the updated bill permits doctors to terminate a pregnancy posing a life-threatening risk without additional specialist authorisation, it’s expected that practitioners, fearing legal repercussions, will seek approval in all instances.
Initially, Bill 28, despite being the most restrictive in the EU, was considered a step forward, creating a safer environment for pregnant women and persons in Malta by enabling doctors to provide the necessary treatment to preserve their health and lives.
In light of these changes, the Voice for Choice coalition withdraws its support for Bill 28 and urges the government to suspend its expedited progress through Parliament. It also calls for further consultations to avoid making a grave historical mistake.
What is your opinion on recent amendments to the abortion bill?