Malta’s first pro-choice coalition to launch this weekend

Voice for Choice, Malta’s first pro-choice coalition, is set to launch this weekend.

The event has been shared by a number of civil society groups including the Malta Humanist Association, Women’s Rights Foundation and Moviment Graffitti.

The group describes itself as a coalition of civil society organisations and individuals that together want to work for reproductive rights and justice in Malta.

“We are a grassroots organization that represents various sectors of our society, as well as individuals that are passionate about reproductive health and rights,” reads the group’s Facebook page.

The page states that despite abortion remaining a criminal act in Malta, in reality women were still seeking to have abortions. “However, this comes at both a financial and a social cost as these women continue to live in fear, stigma and shame in our society.”

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Voice for Choice said that Malta was a “compassionate country that has over the decades ensured full inclusivity”.

“It is time that the laws related to abortion follow suit so as to reflect the reality of people’s lives. We are here to ensure that all pregnant persons, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, beliefs or age, are supported, respected and protected, whatever their choices.”

The launch will start with a screening of The Abortion Diaries – a documentary featuring 12 women from various walks of life who speak candidly about their experiences with abortion – followed by an open discussion on the subject.

READ MORE: MaltaToday Survey: Abortion remains a no-go area for Maltese