This personal experience was originally shared with Doctors for Choice Malta. This was during the parliamentary discussions of Bill 28 in November and December 2022. If the legal amendment is enacted, it will allow abortion when the pregnant person's life or health is in grave danger. This will mean that the healthcare professionals involved and the pregnant person herself will not be subjected to criminal sanctions in such scenarios.
The story below is being published on Break the Taboo Malta with the author's consent.
"I feel hurt by all the people advocating for 'no to abortion.' I have had one myself after failed contraception.
I'm a mother, have 4 children, and give my life to them. I now have a medical condition which puts my life at risk if I do give birth. The pregnancy couldn't continue as I owe my children my presence. I had to make a choice and it was mine to make...no one else's.
Friends and family in the [anti-abortion] protest have no idea what I had to go through but I know it was the best decision given the circumstances. I have no regrets."