Published: Less than 2 hours ago
full screen Abortion rights activists demonstrate for abortion rights in Malta in June this year. Photo: Kevin Schembri Orland/AP/TT
Malta’s Health Minister Chris Fearne has tabled a bill that would ease the country’s tough abortion laws.
There is currently a total ban on abortions on the island nation, but if Fearne’s proposal goes through, abortions could be allowed if the mother’s life is in danger. However, it does not allow abortions in cases of incest or rape, which activists have fought for.
Malta is the only EU country that has a total ban on abortions, and doctors who perform the procedure risk four years in prison and a life-long suspension of their medical license.
Earlier this year, 130 doctors in the country signed a protest against the total ban, warning that it could prevent them from giving women the right care.