Leading candidates in the MEP elections have declared their opposition to some of the most controversial issues currently simmering throughout public discourse such as euthanasia, commercial surrogacy and abortion.

Every single MEP candidate (17 in total) said they would vote against the introduction of abortion. Independent candidate Antoine P. Borg stood out amongst the herd by saying his vote on the issue would always be reflective of popular opinion.

Just three candidates voted in favour of euthanasia (all PL), while four said they were in favour of surrogacy (three PL, one Independent). The responses formed part of a survey conducted by the pro-life organisation ‘Life Network Foundation’

After years of silence, the debate surrounding abortion has begun to gather steam as several pro-choice NGOs have started springing up all over the island

Most recently, doctors banded together to create a united front backed by scientific opinion on the “draconian” measures currently being employed in Malta.

Both main parties have been steadfast in announcing their complete opposition to abortion. However, surrogacy remains firmly on the government’s agenda, despite being shelved after massive protests. Health Minister Chris Fearne has said that altruistic surrogacy will be presented at a later stage under a separate bill.

Indicating that the Labour Party may not fully back the government’s foray into surrogacy (as evidenced with current President George Vella), MEP candidate Alex Agius Saliba said he was against the practice. Agius Saliba is currently polling quite well and is believed to have a good chance in landing one of the four projected seats for the PL.

The PL’s Felix Galea Busuttil, Robert Micallef and Fleur Vella said they were in favour of the practice, as is independent candidate Antoine Borg.

When it came to euthanasia or assisted suicide, just three candidates said they were in favour (PL’s Alex Agius Saliba, Felix Galea Busuttil, and Fleur Vella).

All of the PN candidates, which included Roberta Metsola, Frank Psaila, David Casa, Michael Briguglio and Francis Zammit Dimech, said they were against the introduction of euthanasia, commercial surrogacy and abortion.

Most PL candidates including MEPs Miriam Dalli and Alfred Sant did not take part in the survey. Neither did prominent pro-choice candidates such as Mina Tolu and Camilla Appelgren.

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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.