Activists call for abortion law reform ahead of Valletta rally
Activists gathered outside Mater Dei with a banner which read 'I came for care and ended up in court'
A group of activists gathered outside Mater Dei Hospital on Saturday morning to highlight the injustice of the health and legal system after a woman who reported stomach cramps to health authorities was later charged in court for carrying out an abortion.
Holding a banner reading 'Ġejt għall-għajnuna u spiċċajt il-Qorti' (I came for care and ended up in court), the demonstration was organised by the Voice For Choice coalition ahead of the Abortion Rights March Rally, taking place on September 27 in Valletta.
The banner refers to a case earlier this year when a 28-year-old woman was handed a suspended jail sentence after she pleaded guilty to having an abortion. A court heard how in November 2024, she went to the hospital after experiencing pain, and informed the doctors she had a medical abortion.
In June last year, a woman charged with abortion was given a conditional discharge for three years.
She was subsequently criminally charged by the police.
Following the case, the health minister said he was "shocked" by the implications of the case and called for changes in the secrecy law.
Politicians such as Equality Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg and MP Rosianne Cutajar expressed their concern on social media after the court ruling, saying the law is frightening people from receiving necessary medical care.
Details of next Saturday's protest. Photo: Voice for ChoiceIn a statement, the Voice for Choice coalition said abortion is not a crime, but it is a matter of healthcare and bodily autonomy.
"Thousands of people in Malta have had abortions over the past decade, and many more before that," the coalition said.
"Although complications from abortion pills are rare, the hostile situation in Malta increases risks. Abortion laws impact abortion safety. This can be solved by decriminalising abortion."
Abortion is illegal in Malta, although changes were approved in 2023 that allow for termination if a woman's life is in danger. Recent figures show that more women are receiving abortion pills at home, with 590 shipments last year, up 14 per cent.
"By refusing to decriminalise abortion, the government is ensuring that pregnant individuals carry on living in fear, are prevented from accessing justice, and continue facing societal stigma," the coalition said.
"Effectively, if you experience complications, the government is telling you: stay at home and suffer potentially serious consequences in silence OR risk a prison sentence if you are honest with your doctor."
The coalition stressed that the current situation is a disservice to women and gender diverse people in Malta.