‘Our Priority Is Mother’s Health And Safety,’ Malta’s Body For Gynaecologists And Obstetricians Says

The priority in problematic pregnancies is the “health and safety of the mother”, Malta College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has said in the wake of the decision to refuse an abortion to US-national Andrea Prudente amid major health risks.

Prudente’s decision came after her waters broke early on in pregnancy, leaving the foetus with practically no hope of survival.

In a statement, the Malta College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said that “even though they are rare, there have been reports of babies surviving when difficult situations arise in the second trimester of pregnancy.”

After 38-year-old Prudente was admitted to the hospital with severe bleeding, doctors told her that the placenta had become partially detached, leaving the baby with “zero chance” of survival.

It was her wish to terminate the pregnancy. Yet, as part of Malta’s strict anti-abortion laws, doctors told her they couldn’t comply as long as her child had a heartbeat.

“We are looking after concerned mothers who present to us with clinical problems of varying severity. Each patient is unique and we try to individualise our treatment protocol,” it wrote.

“We strive to give the best management possible whilst working within the legal framework of our country.”

“We look out for any signs of infection or any other problems affecting either mother or child. If there is no spontaneous delivery, and there is a risk to the mother, we deliver the baby.”

As it stands, Prudente is now set to travel abroad to undergo the termination after her insurance company gave her the green light, declaring the situation a “matter of life and death”.

Prudente’s case has reopened the controversial topic of decriminalising access to abortion on the island, beginning with a pro-choice activist gathering in Valletta. The debate led to a national tug-of-war between some of Malta’s key players, including pro-choice gynecologists, women’s rights activists and the archbishop himself.

The ongoing situation even made global attention after being picked up by the likes of BBC, Vice, Reuters and The Daily Beast.

Abortion is currently illegal in Malta, with article 241 of Malta’s Criminal Code stating that should a mother receive an abortion, she can face up to three years in prison.

Should Malta decriminalise abortion?