Pro-choice activists in Malta held their annual abortion rights rally in Valletta, calling for the decriminalization of abortion and reproductive justice. The demonstration, led by the Voice for Choice coalition, aimed to bring attention to the need for safe and accessible abortion services in Malta. According to Christine Cassar, spokesperson for Voice for Choice, over 1,500 women in Malta have broken the law by undergoing abortions in the past eight years, often in secret and out of fear of prosecution.
The activists argue that women who have had abortions should not be treated as criminals, but rather deserve compassion and understanding. They believe it’s time to decriminalize abortion in Malta, allowing women to make decisions about their own bodies without fear of judgment or imprisonment. The rally highlighted the stories of women who have undergone abortions, often in difficult circumstances, and are now willing to share their experiences without shame.
Research cited by the coalition shows that the average person who has had an abortion in Malta is 29 years old and often already a mother. Furthermore, it’s estimated that around 500 women in Malta last year resorted to abortion pills at home, underscoring the need for safe and regulated abortion services. By decriminalizing abortion, activists hope to ensure that women have access to the healthcare they need without risking their well-being or freedom.
