A new service has been launched by pro-choice doctors to help any pregnant person with complications during pregnancy to discuss their abortion options in Malta or abroad.

It is manned on a voluntary basis by Prof Isabel Stabile and Dr Natalie Psaila, who have been vehemently fighting for abortion rights since the pro-choice movement began to flourish in the last decade.

“Any person can call, regardless of whether they are at home or admitted to a hospital”, a statement from Doctors For Choice Malta read.

They will be able to discuss whether they are likely to qualify for a termination in Malta, and if not what services are available abroad.

This service is being added to the already established Abortion Doula Support Service provided by these two doctors.

Apart from helping women with complications in pregnancy, “this service also provides information to women undertaking an abortion with pills at home or in a clinic abroad.”

With the enactment of Act XXII of 2023, abortion is legal in Malta in cases where there are complications that are causing a grave risk to health that may lead to death.

The islands still maintain some of the strictest laws on the planet when it comes to terminating pregnancies.

This means abortion is still illegal in cases of rape and incest.

“Legislators who enacted this law have repeatedly stated that they do not wish any woman who is having complications to be at death’s door before they receive treatment. This new service will inform women of their rights with the hope of avoiding morbidity and mortality,” the group added.

“Abortion is a reality in Malta and this service is meant to reduce the likelihood of harm to women by ensuring they can spot any complications and seek treatment, and to avoid the use of dangerous abortion methods.”

People wanting to make use of this service can call on +356 20341683.