Independent MP Godfrey Farrugia has asked the Social Affairs Committee to debate the abortion decriminalisation Bill during its next sitting.
The Bill was presented by Marlene Farrugia last Wednesday.
In a letter to committee chairperson Silvio Parnis, Farrugia said: “It is our obligation as Members of Parliament, and as legislators, to help foster a fair and just society, which favours lives lived with dignity and empathy to others. It is our duty to be understanding to those needs and to listen. It is also our duty to create non-judgemental platforms for discussion on such issues. Without this, we are not equipped to create and build a legislative environment that is reflective of these lived experiences.”
Farrugia said that, with this in mind, the committee should discuss the Bill at its next sitting.
“I am counting on your co-operation in order to ensure that that the Social Affairs Committee, as per its mandate, discusses this topical issue of major social importance,” Farrugia told Grixti.
The independent MP has already asked Parliament’s Health Committee to discuss the issue.
There was, however, no mention on the Bill when the House Business Committee met on Monday to set the agenda for the next two weeks.
PL Whip Glenn Bedingfield said that Parliament is expected to rise for summer recess in mid-July.