Abortion Will Be Permitted If A Woman’s Life Is At Immediate Risk Or Health Is In “Grave Jeopardy”

Jun 23 2023

Health Minister Chris Fearne has announced significant changes to Malta’s controversial abortion bill, clarifying the circumstances under which abortions will be allowed.

The amendments aim to address concerns raised by anti-abortion campaigners, the church, and the Nationalist Party.

The proposed changes include the following key points:

Termination Criteria: Abortion will be permitted if a woman’s life is at immediate risk or if her health is in “grave jeopardy,” which may lead to her death.
Exhaustion of Treatment Options: Terminations can only take place once all other treatments have been exhausted. The aim is to ensure that abortion is considered as a last resort when there are no other viable options.
Specialist Decision: The decision to terminate a pregnancy must be made by three specialists. This ensures a careful and thorough assessment of the situation by medical professionals.
Licensed Clinics: Abortions can only be performed in licensed clinics, addressing concerns about the possibility of unregulated practices.
Viability of the Fetus: The amendments clarify that if the fetus is deemed capable of living outside the womb, the pregnancy should not be terminated. This provision aims to protect the rights of the unborn child in cases where it is considered viable.

Minister Fearne stated that the amendments introduce additional safeguards while allowing doctors the necessary discretion in emergency situations where a mother’s life is at immediate risk.

The amendments pertain solely to cases where a woman’s life is at risk or her health is in grave jeopardy.

Abortion will remain illegal under all other circumstances, including cases of rape, incest, and severe fetal abnormalities.

The proposed changes will now be subject to further scrutiny and discussion before they can be implemented.

The president of Malta, George Vella, will need to review and sign off on the eventual law.

#MaltaDaily

Protecting Languages: Global Efforts to Curb English Dominance

Jun 23 2023

Several countries worldwide are implementing stricter regulations to safeguard their national languages and reduce the dominance of English words. English, with approximately 1.4 billion speakers, is currently the most widely spoken language globally. However, some countries are considering drastic measures to prevent it from becoming the default language.

The Netherlands recently passed a bill to limit the use of English in university courses, proposing that two-thirds of the content in a standard bachelor’s degree should be in Dutch. Furthermore, international students may be required to learn basic Dutch as part of these proposed changes.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is endorsing a new bill that could result in fines of up to €100,000 for Italians who use English in official communications and rely on other foreign words. However, the bill still needs to undergo parliamentary debate before it can be enforced.

In India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has been making efforts to promote the use of Hindi instead of English.

The prominent French language institution, Academie Francaise, has issued a strong warning regarding the rise of bilingual wordplay, where English words are increasingly integrated into everyday language. The organisation is concerned that this trend could lead to the gradual disappearance of equivalent French words, particularly in areas such as fashion, sport, and the internet, as previously occurred in Malta.

In China, President Xi Jinping aims to foster greater “cultural confidence” by reducing reliance on English. Measures have been taken in Beijing to remove English words from metro stations and maps, while in Shanghai, elementary schools have prohibited English exams.

According to a recent survey conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), English has surpassed Maltese as the most widely spoken language among the local population in Malta. Surprisingly, an astonishing 96% of people in Malta feel comfortable speaking English, slightly higher than the 90% who are proficient in Maltese. Additionally, Italian has a stronger presence than anticipated, with a significant 62% of respondents reporting an understanding of the language. The survey, which interviewed 130,000 individuals between the ages of 15 and 64, not only shed light on language preferences but also revealed a diverse range of skills prevalent within the community. Interestingly, language preferences appear to be influenced by age, with older individuals gravitating towards Italian and Arabic, while younger generations lean towards French and German. The survey also explored various skill categories, highlighting impressive technological prowess within Malta.

Should Malta adopt similar measures to limit the use of the English language in order to protect the Maltese language?

#MaltaDaily

Natascha McElhone to Attend The Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta

Jun 23 2023

The Mediterrane Film Festivall, an annual convention celebrating film and creativity, is set to take place in Malta from the 25th until the 30th of June, 2023.

The event aims to foster collaboration and create opportunities for future film projects among the MED9 countries, which include Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Croatia. With a focus on Mediterranean cinema, the festival also seeks to strengthen ties with European partners, including the United Kingdom.

One notable attendee at the festival will be British actress Natascha McElhone. Born Natascha Abigail Taylor on December 14, 1971, she is a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. McElhone has made a name for herself in both film and television.

In the world of film, McElhone is recognised for her roles in notable productions such as “Ronin” (1998), “The Truman Show” (1998), and “Solaris” (2002). Her talent and versatility have garnered critical acclaim and established her as a respected actress in the industry.

On television, McElhone has portrayed various compelling characters. She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Karen van der Beek, the long-time partner of Hank Moody, in the Showtime comedy-drama series “Californication” (2007–2014). Her performance in the ABC political drama “Designated Survivor” (2016–2017) as Alex Kirkman, the First Lady of the United States, further showcased her acting prowess.

Additionally, McElhone portrayed Laz Ingram in Beau Willimon’s science-fiction series “The First” (2018) on Hulu. Her talent and dedication to her craft have garnered her widespread recognition and acclaim.

In 2021, McElhone starred in the Maltese/Canadian production titled “Carmen.” Filmed in the picturesque island of Gozo, the film showcased her ability to bring complex characters to life and further solidified her connection to Malta.

With her impressive body of work and notable performances, Natascha McElhone’s presence at The Mediterranean Film Festival is sure to add excitement and prestige to the event.

#MaltaDaily

UEFA and UNHCR Join Forces for Second Edition of Unity EURO Cup

Jun 23 2023

After the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, the Unity EURO Cup returns for its second edition, as UEFA and UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) utilise the unifying power of football to strengthen bonds between host communities and displaced individuals. The tournament will take place at the UEFA Respect Forum in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 28 and 29, showcasing the transformative impact of sports in promoting integration and well-being.

As part of the UEFA Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, UEFA actively promotes the inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons within host communities through football. By harnessing the universal language of the sport, UEFA fosters teamwork, physical activity, social interaction, and a sense of belonging among diverse individuals.

The UNHCR Sport Strategy, titled “More than a Game,” highlights the role of sports and sports organizations in improving the lives of displaced and stateless people, facilitating their integration with host communities.

The inaugural Unity EURO Cup, held in 2022, exemplified the profound influence football can have in bringing people together. Eight teams representing their host countries participated in the tournament, offering participants the opportunity to compete internationally and showcase their talent.

This year’s edition will feature 16 teams representing Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the European Union. The seven-a-side tournament will involve over 170 young individuals from refugee and host communities, converging at SC Weiss-Blau, a local football club in Frankfurt.

The final match, officiated by renowned referee Felix Brych, will be held at the nearby DFB Campus, bringing the tournament to an exciting climax. The Unity EURO Cup welcomes visitors from 09:30 to 15:00 CEST, providing a platform for all to witness the power of football in breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion.

Each team will consist of eight refugee players and three non-refugee players, including at least two women. This emphasis on diversity and gender inclusion serves as a reminder of football’s ability to bridge gaps and create a sense of unity. Additionally, 16 esteemed ambassadors will be present to support their respective teams, further emphasizing the importance of the event.

The Malta Football Association, through its FSR Department, is proud to participate in the Unity EURO Cup for the second consecutive year. Building on the success of the first edition, UEFA and UNHCR have expanded the tournament to include 15 teams, each representing a European country. The event, scheduled from June 28, will be held at the DFB Campus in Frankfurt, welcoming approximately 165 youths from refugee and host communities.

The UEFA Unity Euro Cup aims to enhance the lives of displaced people through the transformative power of football. By supporting refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced individuals, UEFA strives to promote their physical and mental well-being while fostering their inclusion within host communities. The UNHCR Sport Strategy outlines the significant role of sports organizations in improving the lives of displaced and stateless people.

The enthusiasm surrounding the Unity EURO Cup is evident, with European Parliament representatives, such as Roberta Metsola, joining forces with the Maltese team in preparation for the tournament. Additionally, the European Commission, alongside EURO-winning captain Theo Zagorakis, Matja Nemec, TFrankowski21, Team EU, Common Goal, and RheinFlanke, will participate in the competition, showcasing the power of football in promoting inclusion.

#MaltaDaily