I refer to the resolution approved by the Youth Parliament to legalise the morning-after pill only in the case of rape.

There are different kinds of rapists. The most common is not the sociopath in a dark alley who subdues his victims by putting a knife to their throat. According to the charity Rape Crisis Network UK, 85 per cent of rapists are men known to their victims – partner, relatives, coaches, teachers, neighbour, husband and clergy; and occurs in familiar settings.

Victims who are acquainted with their rapist usually feel a deep sense of guilt and believe that they instigated the assault. They may question their ability to judge other people and become unable to use rationalisation as a defence to cope with the attack. Research also reveals that in these particular cases, the perpetrator manipulates the violated victim by strengthening this belief. Once disarmed, the deeply humiliated and guilt-ridden victim is less likely to talk about it to anyone, let alone have the courage to make an official report – which I believe will be necessary if the morning-after pill is to be prescribed.

Rape happens far more often than statistics indicate, because it is one of the most under-reported crimes. According to RAINN (The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), America’s largest anti-sexual assault organisation, 60 per cent of sexual assaults are not reported. An in-depth survey carried out in 2008 for a report called “The Crisis in Rape Crisis” by the UK charity, also revealed that 61 per cent of all type of rape survivors tend to harbour their fear and pain and only go for support three or more years after the assault took place.

And let’s say an allegedly raped woman does turn up for the morning-after pill, how are the authorities going to establish that she was raped? The fact that there is no visible evidence of violence does not mean that the person has not been raped. And how will abuse be curbed? What about bribery for the pill in the case of consensual sexual acts? Won’t it be rife especially in a small country like Malta? Everyone knows the drill. Another thought. Will the black market for the morning-after pill, which will doubtlessly spring up, lead to more unprotected sex?

Using the excuse of an “exceptional circumstance” such as rape to introduce the morning-after pill is just a ploy, and the first step to having it available, legally or not, on demand; and reveals a serious lack of gumption and honesty on the part of its assenters.

Rebecca Sultana

MSIDA