Where is the free contraception promised in 2021 and 2024, women's lobby asks

The women's lobby slammed the authorities for the delayed introduction of free emergency contraception despite it being a key proposal in the National Sexual Health Strategy and a repeated political commitment. 

The morning-after pill is currently only provided free of charge at Mater Dei Hospital in cases of sexual assault. The Malta Women's Lobby said this was only possible because it was being sponsored by third parties (pharmaceutical companies) and was only given to women admitted to the hospital.

"This is far from enough. It is the bare minimum by the narrowest of margins. Women should not have to face trauma, bureaucracy, or financial hardship to access time-sensitive medication that prevents an unintended pregnancy," the lobby said in a statement. 

Free contraception was presented as an electoral promise as early as 2021. When this failed to materialise, in December 2024, the public was again given the impression that concrete action was imminent through a renewed consultation on the National Sexual Health Strategy, the lobby said.

"Yet here we are, in 2026, where women and girls are still being told to wait, with no clear timelines, no published strategy, and no free access to contraception in sight. And, although some might argue that there is still time until the next general election, this is hardly a measure that warrants a five-year delay.

"What is required is commitment and competence."

While the lobby acknowledged steps in relation to HIV prevention measures, such as wider access to PEP and the introduction of state-funded PrEP, sexual health could not be treated selectively. Emergency contraception is essential healthcare, the lobby added.

"The clue is in the name; otherwise, it would not be defined as an emergency. Delaying access has real-world consequences, particularly for those facing barriers of cost, age restrictions, stigma, or lack of information.

“Women have waited long enough. Broken promises made in 2021 and repeated in 2024 cannot continue to be postponed in 2026. Emergency contraception is not a luxury - it is preventive healthcare, and it must be accessible, affordable, and available now".

What is the Malta Women’s Lobby calling for?

• Immediate inclusion of emergency contraception in the national formulary
• A clear, publicly available timeline for the rollout of free contraception, including condoms, oral contraception, and emergency contraception
• The removal of access barriers, such as age-based limitations and financial barriers
• The publication and implementation of the National Sexual Health Strategy with transparent accountability mechanisms, realistic and equitable objectives, and regular progress reporting