Two PL MEPs abstain in abortion fund vote, PN MEPs vote against

Updated 3.20pm

Labour MEPs Thomas Bajada and Daniel Attard abstained from a vote calling on the EU to set up a cross-border abortion fund, with Malta’s three other MEPs voting against the initiative.

The proposal was approved on Wednesday afternoon, with 358 MEPs voting in favour, 202 against and 79 abstentions.

However, the vote is not binding, and the European Commission is set to decide whether to adopt the proposal by March.

The My Voice, My Choice proposal calls on the EU to create a fund to help women from countries where abortion is banned, such as Malta, to carry out an abortion in another member state.

The idea, advocating for safe access to abortions for women around Europe, garnered over 1.2 million signatures when it was first launched as a citizen initiative in April 2024.

Proponents argue that providing safe access to abortion is crucial in protecting women from backsliding on sexual and reproductive rights across Europe. However, the proposal has faced criticism from several MEPs who argue that it intrudes on member states’ sovereignty.

None of Malta’s MEPs supported the initiative in Wednesday’s vote.

Thomas Bajada earlier told Times of Malta he would abstain, as he has “consistently done over the subject of abortion”.

“Discussions over abortion in Malta should take place without political agendas or polarisation and with deep respect towards social and ethical realities,” Bajada said in an explanation of his abstention.

Nevertheless, Bajada added he is “completely against the criminalisation of Maltese women” who have undergone an abortion, saying his decision “reflects a desire for a sensitive and sovereign national debate in Malta”.

Daniel Attard also told Times of Malta that he would abstain from the vote but did not elaborate on why.

On the other hand, Alex Agius Saliba voted against the initiative, arguing that abortion remains a national competence.

“In every vote where there is imposition from the Union on Malta to introduce abortion I consistently vote against as this is national competence. This is what I have consistently done in the past and that is what I’m going to do in today’s vote,” Agius Saliba said.

PN MEPs adopted a similar stance.

Peter Agius and David Casa were both among a group of 37 MEPs to file a resolution against the initiative, arguing that sexual and reproductive rights “are the exclusive responsibility of the Member States”.

“Each Member State is to regulate these matters in accordance with its own policies, there is no need for new action or legislative proposals at EU level,” the motion says.

Agius said: "If we want to discuss abortion in Malta, we can discuss it – but as long as the Maltese people want abortion to remain illegal, then why should Europe bring it in through the back door?"

Casa said he was proud to vote against abortion being imposed on the Maltese people. "The safeguards we secured in favour of the sovereignty of the Maltese people still apply," he added. "Let me be clear: today’s vote creates no obligation on the Maltese government."