@lovinmaltaofficial Health Minister Chris Fearne has refused to commit to a date for the presentation of an updated version of the government’s proposed abortion law 👀🤔 #tiktokmalta #maltatiktok #fypmalta #lovinmalta #fyp ♬ original sound – Lovin Malta

“This issue of when the discussion will continue at committee stage is the exact opposite of what we were being criticised for three weeks ago,” Fearne said.

“Three weeks ago, they were warning us not to rush the bill through before Christmas because there had to be a discussion on it. In truth, we always wanted to give everyone space to have their say, listen to them and refine the wording of the bill if needs be.”

“However, they’re now telling us that we’re taking too much time. It’s not true, there’s no exaggerated rush on this [bill] and we’re acting properly – we’re speaking and listening to everyone and we will take the necessary decisions.”

Fearne reiterated that the bill’s goal is to protect doctors from the long arm of the law when they terminate pregnancies for mothers whose health or life is at risk.

“The testimony from the Andrea Prudente case proves we were right as it showed that doctors didn’t [allow her to have an abortion]  because her life wasn’t in danger at the time. Had her life been in danger, then doctors would have acted but unfortunately they would have risked imprisonment as per our Criminal Code.”

Lovin Malta is informed that the delay is partially due to strong resistance the government is facing from President George Vella, who has previously pledged to resign before signing a law that would legalise abortion.

Do you think the government will end up watering down the bill?