Activists and members of the public marched through Valletta for the annual Abortion Rights Rally, organised by the Voice for Choice coalition to mark International Safe Abortion Day on September 28.
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This year’s rally, coinciding with the coalition’s 5th anniversary, focused on demanding concrete action from the government to decriminalise abortion in Malta.
The coalition emphasised that while discussions are important, immediate steps are needed to address the worsening situation. Recent incidents include women being prosecuted or investigated for seeking abortions, with professionals and services reporting them to authorities instead of offering support.
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Voice for Choice criticised the government for backtracking on Bill 28, which initially aimed to make abortion laws less restrictive but resulted in a complex and inadequate measure. The coalition warned that this legislation could mislead the public into believing abortion is no longer a pressing issue, which is far from the case. Hundreds of Maltese residents still resort to self-managing abortions with illegal abortion pills each year.
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During the rally, fliers provided information on safe abortion support services, while speakers, including international activists, addressed the crowd.
Doctors for Choice also presented testimonies from individuals willing to publicly share their abortion experiences. The message was clear: abortion must be decriminalised, accessible, and stigma-free in Malta.
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