Malta liberalises abortion a little
Malta's Minister for Health, Dr. Chris Fearne. Photo EPA, Domenic Aquilina
Southern Europe
Malta will liberalise its legislation on terminating a pregnancy a little. Until now, Malta is the only EU country that used to have a total abortion ban.
The current Maltese abortion law left no space for exceptions. Terminating a pregnancy is illegal in all circumstances, including situations where the mother's health is at risk. Doctors who violate the ban risk losing their authority, Malta Today writes.
However, with the new legal amendment that the government proposed, doctors will be allowed to end a pregnancy to safeguard the mother's health and life. According to the Maltese health minister, Chris Fearne, the measures are still intended to "protect life", Malta Today reports. He stresses that the proposal does not legalise abortion but only addresses a specific need.
Physicians would be allowed to end a pregnancy in the case of ectopic pregnancies, situations where the woman develops cancer and requires treatment, or premature rupture of the membranes, among other "serious conditions."
Prosecuted
Abortion, in general, remains illegal, Malta Today reports. Yet, if a foetus does not survive because of medical intervention, doctors and the woman will not be prosecuted for ending the pregnancy.
The amendment will go to Parliament for a first reading on Monday.
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