Activists Rally in Valletta Demanding Abortion Decriminalisation

Rally Calls for End to Abortion Criminalisation

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, hundreds of activists, academics, and concerned citizens converged outside the Law Courts in Valletta, Malta, to participate in a rally demanding the decriminalisation of abortion. The demonstration, organised by the Voice for Choice coalition, underscored the urgent need for legal reform in the country, where abortion laws are among the most restrictive globally. Participants carried placards and chanted slogans, asserting that 'Abortion is not a crime' and that 'No one should go to prison for accessing healthcare'.

Malta's Strict Abortion Laws Under Scrutiny

Malta currently maintains the strictest abortion laws within the European Union. Until 2023, abortion was illegal under all circumstances. A subsequent amendment introduced a very limited exception, permitting the termination of a pregnancy only when the pregnant woman's life is at immediate risk, and after approval from a team of medical professionals under specified conditions. However, abortion remains illegal in all other situations, including cases of rape, incest, or when the woman's health is in jeopardy but not immediately life-threatening. This legal framework has been criticised by human rights organisations and pro-choice advocates for violating fundamental human rights.

Voices from the Movement

The rally featured several prominent speakers who articulated the movement's demands. Prof. Marceline Naudi of Academics for Choice emphasised the principle of individual autonomy, stating, 'I have every right to hold my beliefs, but I do not have the right to impose them on others… I cannot judge others according to mine, in the same way that they cannot judge me by theirs.' James Buhagiar from Men Against Violence appealed to men to support women's reproductive rights, while Dr. Emma Portelli Bonnici from Lawyers for Choice declared, 'Abortion is not a crime. Abortion is healthcare. We are not asking for permission. We are demanding equity and justice.' The Voice for Choice coalition comprises numerous organisations, including:

• Academics for Choice
• aditus foundation
• Doctors for Choice
• Grandparents for Choice
• Lawyers for Choice
• Men Against Violence
• Moviment Graffitti
• Women's Rights Foundation

Recent Prosecutions Fuel Calls for Change

The protest follows recent prosecutions of women in Malta for abortion-related offences. In July 2025, a 28-year-old woman received a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to having an abortion using pills purchased online, a case that sparked widespread outrage among reproductive rights advocates. Activists argue that such criminalisation pushes individuals into unsafe situations and creates a climate of fear and stigma. Despite the legal prohibitions, statistics indicate that abortion is a reality in Malta; nearly 600 women had abortions in the past year, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This data, presented by pro-choice activist Prof. Isabel Stabile, highlights that the current law is not acting as a deterrent.

Continued Advocacy for Reproductive Rights

The Voice for Choice coalition has pledged to continue its advocacy efforts until abortion is fully decriminalised in Malta. Organisers reiterated that criminalisation does not prevent abortions but instead harms the wellbeing of those seeking reproductive healthcare. The rally served as a powerful public statement against the ongoing stigma and fear surrounding abortion in the country, urging lawmakers to prioritise women's rights and ensure safe, legal access to reproductive healthcare.