Break the Taboo Malta is an advocacy group calling for the decriminalization of abortion in Malta, a country with some of the most stringent anti-abortion laws in Europe. The group recently responded to a controversial case where a Maltese woman was brought to court for undergoing a medical abortion at home. The legal team from Doctors For Choice guided the case, which fueled concerns over the country’s abortion laws and their impact on women’s rights.
Break the Taboo Malta’s response was emphatic and compassionate. The group expressed their solidarity with the woman at the center of the case and highlighted the personal stories of other individuals who had self-managed their abortions with pills. The group stressed the reality and fear these individuals face due to the criminalization of abortion in Malta.
The group firmly believes that no one should ever be criminalized for accessing the care they need. Abortion is a human right, and it is healthcare. This is why they insist that abortion MUST be decriminalized to prevent other people from ever facing charges in court for what is best for themselves, their bodies, and their lives.
The highlighted experiences paint a stark picture of how widespread home abortions are becoming in Malta, despite their illegality. The case has reignited discussions on reproductive rights in the country, and Break the Taboo Malta’s response serves as a reminder of the work yet to be done in advocating for women’s healthcare and rights.
The need to decriminalize abortion is more critical than ever before. In Malta, abortion is only legal if the woman’s life is in danger, and a woman who procures an abortion can face up to three years in jail. This strict law acts as a massive barrier for those women who may need to terminate a pregnancy, putting their physical and mental health at risk.
It is time for Malta to decriminalize abortion and provide access to safe and legal services. Abortion is a fundamental right, and individuals should be able to make decisions about their own bodies without fear of legal repercussions. Malta must take the necessary steps to ensure that women have the power to make decisions about their own reproductive health without judgment, shame, or fear. It is time to #BreakTheTaboo and allow women the basic human right to healthcare.
