Activists in Malta are calling for a reform in the country’s abortion laws, citing concerns that the current legislation is too restrictive and puts women’s lives at risk. The debate surrounding Malta’s abortion laws gained momentum after a high-profile case involving Andrea Prudente, an American tourist who was denied an abortion despite suffering a life-threatening miscarriage. This incident sparked widespread outrage and prompted the Maltese government to propose amendments to the law.
The new law, adopted in June 2023, allows abortion only when a woman’s life is at risk and requires the approval of three medical professionals. However, critics argue that this law is too restrictive and will do little to protect women’s health and lives. The Center for Reproductive Rights has expressed deep concern over the amended law, stating that it will entrench the harms of restrictive abortion laws and fail to advance protections for women’s human rights.
Malta is the only country in the European Union where abortion is completely banned under all circumstances, and the current law imposes severe criminal penalties on doctors providing abortions and individuals seeking abortion care. Activists argue that this law perpetuates gender-based violence and denies women access to safe and legal abortion services, forcing them to seek unsafe and clandestine methods that can lead to serious injury or death.
The activists’ call for reform is supported by various organizations, including the Women’s Rights Foundation and Moviment Graffiti, which have been advocating for the decriminalization of abortion and recognition of reproductive rights as essential healthcare services. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the Maltese government will reconsider its stance on abortion and adopt more permissive laws that prioritize women’s health and rights.
