The Malta Women's Lobby said Friday it is deeply disappointed and frustrated by reports that emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) is still not available for free through public health channels, despite this being a key proposal in the National Sexual Health Strategy and despite repeated political commitments.
Currently the morning-after pill is provided free of charge through Mater Dei Hospital only in cases of sexual assault. Moreover, this is only possible because it is being sponsored by third parties (pharmaceutical companies) and only given when the woman concerned has been admitted to hospital.
This is far from enough. It is the bare minimum by the narrowest of margins, the lobby said
Women should not have to face trauma, bureaucracy, or financial hardship to access time-sensitive medication that prevents an unintended pregnancy.
On the issue of free contraception, this was presented as an electoral promise as early as 2021. When this failed to materialise, in December 2024, the public was again given the impression that concrete action was imminent through a renewed consultation on the National Sexual Health Strategy, the lobby said.
Yet here we are, in 2026, where women and girls are still being told to wait, with no clear timelines, no published strategy, and no free access to contraception in sight. And, although some might argue that there is still time until the next general election, this is hardly a measure that warrants a five-year delay. What is required is commitment and competence. A five-year wait is beyond unacceptable and demonstrates complete disregard towards the most vulnerable members of our society.
While we acknowledge steps taken in relation to HIV prevention measures, such as wider access to PEP and the introduction of state-funded PrEP, sexual health cannot be treated selectively. Emergency contraception is essential healthcare. The clue is in the name; otherwise, it would not be defined as an emergency. Delaying access has real-world consequences, particularly for those facing barriers of cost, age restrictions, stigma, or lack of information.
The Malta Women's Lobby calls for immediate inclusion of emergency contraception on the national medicines formulary, without further delays or procedural stalling;
It also seeks a clear, publicly available timeline for the rollout of free contraception, including condoms, oral contraception, and emergency contraception;
The removal of access barriers, such as age-based limitations and financial barriers, to enable everyone who can conceive the opportunity to obtain emergency contraception in a timely and safe manner; and
The publication and implementation of the National Sexual Health Strategy with transparent accountability mechanisms, realistic and equitable objectives, and regular progress reporting.
"Women have waited long enough. Broken promises made in 2021 and repeated in 2024 cannot continue to be postponed in 2026. Emergency contraception is not a luxury - it is preventive healthcare, and it must be accessible, affordable, and available now," said a spokesperson for the Malta Women's Lobby.