Women should not have to get a prescription from their doctors to use the morning-after pill, according to two of Malta’s leading MEPs Roberta Metsola (PN) and Miriam Dalli (PL). 

In a joint interview with Lovin Malta, the two MEPs couldn’t think of any suitable questions for doctors to ask women to decide whether to prescribe emergency contraception. 

They were asked about the controversial proposals made by a parliamentary committee in Malta last week. The proposals have already sparked an online petition and a protest to be held on Sunday. 

“It’s a bit illogical to me… I can’t understand the logic behind it.”

“To be honest, I can’t understand the logic of telling women that if they want the morning-after pill they need to have a prescription from a doctor. I would have expected this committee to either say yes, you can have access to the morning-after pill, or no. It’s a bit illogical to me.. I can’t understand the logic behind it,” said Miriam Dalli.

Roberta Metsola agreed: “I think we have finally established that what we’re talking about is contraception which I would strongly believe has to be as widely accessible as possible. I think what none of us want is to set up this new category of morality police where politicians are trying to dictate to women what they can and what they cannot do.”

“None of us want to set up this new category of morality police where politicians try to dictate to women what they can and what they cannot do.” 

She said she followed the committee closely and understood that there was a wish for more expert and objective advice on the matter. 

“But as I said, I will continue to believe that contraception should be as widely accessible and available as possible.”

Yesterday, Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli backed activists calling for the pill to be made available over the counter. 

“I have always said the MAP should be available over the counter. Unfortunately, the parliamentary committee decided otherwise, but it’s far from case closed,” Dr Dalli said.

The full video interview with Roberta Metsola and Miriam Dalli will be published later this week on Lovin Malta. 

What do you make of this debate on the morning-after pill? Have your say in the comments below or on Facebook. 

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Chris Peregin

Christian is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur who founded Lovin Malta, a new media company dedicated to creating positive impact in society. He is passionate about justice, public finances and finding ways to build a better future.