There should be no more hiding, no more stigma, no more contempt, Independent MP Marlene Farrugia said about women’s issues, a day after presenting a bill in Parliament proposing the decriminalisation of abortion. Instead, she said, there should be “respect and complete understanding, nothing less.”

Women’s issues, those of mothers and children need to be moved to the top of the agenda of this country’s development, she said.

“To decriminalise abortion does not mean promoting abortion. I am in favour of life as I have always been.”

“To be in favour of life, for me, means being in favour of full life for everyone.”

“To be in favour of full life means being in favour of everyone’s human rights, including of women on how they determine their own lives, and the right for women to have access to healthcare that incorporates all their needs, from preventative needs to secondary and tertiary care.”

“To be in favour of life means to create a society that shows empathy and not condemns, to try and save every life that is created and give it dignity.”

“Because I am Christian I believe in life and in everyone’s human rights.”

She said that abortion exists and is taking place and because it is a crime in Malta, it is being done secretly. “Those who can, go abroad and pay,” she said

“No mother wants to find herself in a position where she would remove her baby. It is not something nice. It is a physical and psychological tragedy for those who pass through it.”

“By condemning or hiding abortion we do not save lives, neither of the women nor of the babies.” She said that this is beaten by positive action, a just society that respects the women and frees them from violence or abuse.

The debate on abortion should not be a debate which divides, she said. "It should be a debate of which the result would be a free society without prejudice, taboo or stigma, a society that offers prevention, care and solutions for women, and not condemn them, she said.