Breaking: Abortion Bill Passes In Malta’s Parliament
The historic Bill No. 28 has passed through Malta’s Parliament – legalising abortion when the pregnant mother is at risk of dying.
A majority of MPs voted in favour in the third reading of the law, taking Malta off the list of the last four countries in the world with a full ban on abortion, together with El Salvador, Nicaragua and Vatican City.
However, the pro-choice camp isn’t celebrating this landmark. Few were present outside Parliament for the voting.
The bill was amended after pressures from the pro-life camp – most notably President George Vella said he wouldn’t sign the bill in its original form. It was amended to state that three specialised doctors would need to approve the case before the procedure took place – and only when the pregnant person’s life is at risk.
It also means that in other cases, such as rape, incest and domestic abuse – will still be banned under the new law.
Pro-choice activists gathered outside Parliament on Tuesday, decrying the amendments, and warning that they will not help save women’s lives.
The original version of Bill 28 stated that a doctor could legally terminate a pregnancy when there is a medical complication that puts the health of a pregnant woman in grave jeopardy.
Now, the bill says that pregnancy can only be terminated if the woman’s health is in grave jeopardy which can lead to death.
Pro-life activists said the amendments serve to protect the life of the foetus, while allegations circled that the President put pressure for a revision, warning he wouldn’t sign the law as it was originally presented.
What do you make of this landmark law?
READ NEXT: Burger King Launches Investigation Addressing The Vegan Mix-Up Incident
