‘Support, Not Punishment’: Maltese MPs Respond to Abortion Sentence

Daniel Attard MEP, Ramona Attard MP, Rosianne Cutajar MP, and Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg have expressed serious concern following the suspended prison sentence a woman faced for having an abortion. All four called for greater compassion and support, rather than criminal punishment.

In a social media post, Daniel Attard, Member of the European Parliament, stated, “Regardless of whether you agree with abortion or not, what sense does it make to force doctors to report women often vulnerable who have already gone through it? They need support, not condemnation.”

Ramona Attard, Member of the House of Representatives, echoed this sentiment, “This is an issue that goes beyond simply being for or against abortion. It happened in 2023, and it has happened again now. No woman should be criminalised for seeking the medical help she needs when her life is at risk. It’s easy to judge, and it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand and pretend these things aren’t happening until it’s our own children who go through such experiences.

Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, highlighted the false perception that such cases don’t occur, “We’ve heard it said time and again that no one has ever gone to prison or faced that risk. We’ve heard claims that women aren’t really being taken to court. But yesterday’s court ruling once again clearly exposes that the reality is quite different. Women in such situations should be met with compassion and support not inquisitions and court proceedings. Women should not have to live in fear, even of seeking medical help.”

Rosianne Cutajar, Labour MP for the Sixth District, added, “I understand that the court was doing its job, but the fact that in 2025 we are still seeing these kinds of cases is deeply troubling. The message we’re sending is: suffer in silence at home, risk your health, but don’t go to the hospital for help. It’s clear that we need clear, humane guidelines that respect a woman’s dignity, privacy, and health.”

What do you think?

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