(ZENIT News – IFN / Malta, 04.02.2024).- The pro-life movement in Malta has emerged victorious in their fight to keep abortion illegal in the country. The Maltese government recently released a redraft of the abortion amendment, clarifying that the killing of pre-born children will not be legalized. The amendment aims to codify the existing life-saving practices in Malta and provide further safeguards for mothers, unborn babies, and doctors.
The government’s redrafting of the amendment was a response to the overwhelming pressure from a pro-life coalition consisting of doctors, lawyers, ethicists, judges, and tens of thousands of citizens who signed petitions. The coalition expressed their concerns through emails, demonstrations, and social media, sending a clear message that the initial draft of the law was unacceptable to the people of Malta.
The pro-life movement in Malta is grateful to the government for listening to their concerns. The coalition, led by organizations such as Life Network Foundation, Doctors For Life, and I see Life, was supported by various pro-life groups, NGOs, and an expert group of professionals across the country.
Dr. Miriam Sciberras, CEO of the Life Network Foundation, expressed relief at the new version of the amendment, stating that it allows them to focus on helping mothers in crisis situations and caring for their children. She emphasized that Malta is a pro-life nation that values every life, including both the mother and the unborn child.
The battle to keep abortion illegal in Malta began in 2021 after an American tourist requested an abortion and was refused. Subsequently, the government announced a review of the abortion ban, with some advocating for a more permissive regime. However, the pro-life movement mobilized and demanded that the existing regime, which allows doctors to intervene to save a mother’s life, be maintained. Malta has a commendable maternal health record, with no instances of maternal mortality in the past decade.
Despite misreporting by the media, the pro-life movement’s efforts were successful in preventing the legalization of abortion. Reuters acknowledged the impact of protests on the government’s decision, highlighting the role of the pro-life movement.
In Malta, doctors are already protected to intervene if a mother’s life is in danger, even if it results in the death of the child. The case that prompted the abortion review did not pose a threat to the mother’s life, as established in court. However, it was used as an argument by proponents of legalizing abortion. The pro-life movement’s victory ensures that pre-born children remain protected in Malta.
This achievement is attributed to the hard work and dedication of thousands of Maltese citizens, including President Dr. George Vella, who has firmly opposed legalizing abortion. Their efforts have secured the continued protection of pre-born children in Malta, marking a moment of celebration and gratitude for the pro-life movement.
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