Watch: Hundreds March Down Republic Street For Malta’s Pro-Choice Rally 2023
Around three hundred people turned up to march down Republic Street, placards in hand for this year’s pro-choice rally.
“Abortion is normal, abortion is common!” was one of the slogans sung to the beating of drums.
The protesters made their way to the law courts, where four activists said their speeches.
This year’s event focused on the theme of abortion stigma.
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“There are so many people who have had abortions in Malta, that everyone must know someone close who has had an abortion and if they don’t, it is because of the unfortunate stigma that still exists in Malta. The person you love is probably afraid to share their story with those around them,” the organisers said.
We believe that abortion is healthcare we will continue to give our services,” Dr Stabile, one of the speakers and faces of the pro-choice movement.
Stabile referred to the service she helps provide, giving pregnant people advice on having abortions in Malta, a country were abortion is still severely restricted.
“Let’s work towards changing the stigma”.
In Malta, at least one person a day uses abortion pills to self-manage an abortion at home. The pills in question are safe, and considered essential medicine by the WHO.
“The pills cause a miscarriage and very often the person does not need to go to hospital. Despite this, abortions done in Malta are criminalised by up to 3 years imprisonment. Just a few months ago, a woman was prosecuted for having an abortion after being reported to the police by her abusive partner,” a statement read.
“We all love someone who has had an abortion.”
Is it time that Malta updates it’s abortion laws?
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