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WATCH: MEP Candidate Calls Taboo Surrounding Abortion Debate In Malta ‘Harmful’

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Mina Tolu, Alternattiva Demokratika candidate for the upcoming European Parliament elections in May, has taken to social media to react to the news about the Abortion Support Network extending their services to Malta.

Tolu is one of Malta’s most prominent trans activists, who famously called out Harry Potter actress Emma Watson for referring to them as “she”.

In the video, Mina comments on the need for politicians and political parties to stop fuelling the stigma through their silence on abortion. They started off by commenting on yesterday’s news that a British abortion service provider had expanded to Malta and Gibraltar.

“It seemed like a big deal,” Mina Tolu said, “but I was surprised when I went online later and realised no political party had reacted to it, and not all news portals had covered it.”

Tolu questioned the taboo surrounding the debate on abortion in Malta.

‘Why can’t we discuss this in a way that goes beyond these posts and comments on Facebook – why is it an issue that’s being ignored?” Tolu asked “I believe we need to talk about difficult stuff, it’s our responsibility, it’s also my responsibility as someone who puts myself forward for politics.”

“This current silence breeds stigma, and it’s harming many”

“Enough with these taboos, enough with these stigmas – they are harmful to individuals, to families, to entire communities. And when it comes to abortion in Malta, it is clear that this taboo is harmful to our whole country,” they said.

Tolu noted that, growing up as a queer person in Malta before Malta’s laws had changed, they knew exactly what it was like to be living in the shadow of stigma.

“Why can’t we speak about this in a respectful and non-judgemental manner?” they asked

They also said there seemed to be a “consensus” between political parties on abortion, and called for a “proper and respectful discussion” on the matter.

Tolu also pointed out the extent of unseen abortions being undertaken by Maltese women

“There’s an estimated 300 to 400 people a year who are leaving Malta to access abortion in other countries,” they said

Tolu ended their live video by calling on others to create a space for dialogue about abortion, to analyse what is going on under the surface, and to stop silencing others. They encouraged anyone who wants to talk about abortion in a non-judgemental and respectful way to reach out to them.

Do you think Malta should legalise abortion?

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Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]

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