Malta’s government announced on Thursday (June 30) a review of the country’s abortion ban following a row over a pregnant American tourist who was denied an abortion while her child was being sentenced.
“I have asked our teams to look into whether parts of our legislation are preventing our doctors from providing care where it is neededThe Minister of Health of Malta, Chris Fern, informed the journalists about it. It is the first comment from the Maltese government since the controversy surrounding the case of Andrea Prudente, 38, who was refused an abortion last week after suffering a partial miscarriage while on holiday on the Mediterranean island.
Far from being an isolated case
The fetus had no chance of survival, but despite the risk of a fatal infection for the mother, doctors refused to intervene because of the orthodox law in this predominantly Catholic country, the only one in the European Union that completely bans abortion. The couple were eventually flown to Spain, where Andrea Prudente was being cared for. But the case has sparked an outcry and drawn international attention to the country’s laws.
“Maltese law should in no way prevent our doctors and specialists from saving lives“, – emphasized Chris Fearn, who is himself a former surgeon. Doctors who perform abortions can face up to four years in prison and a lifetime ban from practicing medicine. “I have the assurance of the Attorney General (Malta’s highest legal officer) that in such cases no action is taken against the health workers who administer the treatment and do their best to save life.said Chris Fern. “This is not an isolated case (…) It has happened before and will happen again“, he added.
Chris Fearn, however, did not mention the possible change in the country’s legislation, where the political class rarely touches on that topic. On Monday, more than 130 Maltese doctors launched a legal challenge against the abortion ban, saying it prevents doctors from providing “immediate and timely care“.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.