A discussion on the decriminalisation of abortion was the main theme during an informal dialogue at the National Youth Parliament led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Anglu Farrugia.

This meeting which was held in collaboration with the National Youth Council discussed a proposal to make abortion no longer a criminal act in our country.

In a speech on the occasion, the Speaker spoke about the good principles and values ​​that should be embraced by people engaged in public life.

They must (a) respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the human person; (b) love the neighbour, in particular, vulnerable persons, with persons in difficulty, the poor and the small, expressed by deeds of charity and of solidarity and human justice; (c) embrace the concept of representative parliamentary democracy and the widest participation of the public in the decision-making process in the country; (d) ensure good leadership and management of the resources available in the country, including human ones, to ensure sustainable human development so that those who have fallen behind in society are helped to live a good and dignified life; (e) they love their country, the Maltese language and culture; and (f) strive so that the environment, the natural landscape and the historical heritage of Malta are protected.

The Speaker also made reference to figures published by the World Health Organization (WHO) which show that every year around 73 million abortions are performed around the world. This is despite the fact that every person has the right to life, as prescribed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and other international treaties. The right to human life is sacrosanct and absolute. He recalled that a few years after the Second World War, the international community recognized the need to protect children and mothers and even the institution of the family.

"It is in the interest of humanity that all those in power have the duty to protect human life. They should strive so that all human beings, including those who are most vulnerable or who need their help, are given it and are even looked after”, he said.

The Speaker added that the duty of the authorities is to protect the family, in particular, mothers in its broadest sense, which includes those who have a baby and their children from any harm, including violence.

"We are not stumbling or having doubts about the life within the mother. Science shows us that human life begins at conception. Therefore, the authorities have the duty to protect human life from that early stage and more so when there is no danger to the mother's life,” he said.

The Speaker praised the work of Church entities in Malta for the work it does with mothers who are finding it difficult during their pregnancy, and which continues in helping them raise children after they are born.

Minister for Education Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg, and Opposition Members of Parliament Bernice Bonello and Stephen Spiteri were present for the occasion.