(Adds new GoL statement)

Gift of Life is calling on the Labour Party for an explanation about MEP John Attard Montalto’s vote against a pro-life amendment meant to protect women from being forced into having to have an abortion.

It also welcomed the votes of MEPs Louis Grech, Edward Scicluna, Simon Busuttil and David Casa, who all voted in favour of the amendment, which “stresses that Community assistance should not be given to any authority, organisation or programme which supports or participates in the management of an action which involves such human rights abuses as coercive abortion, involuntary sterilisation or infanticide” and calls on the Commission to present a report on the implementation of the EU’s external assistance covering this programme.

GoL said:

“It is unfortunate that John Attard Montalto voted against this amendment. Gift of Life are calling on the PL to explain to the public why an MEP representing the PL is voting against a pro-life amendment that was meant to protect women from being forced into having to have an abortion.

“The PL has often declared itself to be pro-life yet this is not the first time that this MEP has voted in a manner that contradicts the party’s position,” GoL said.

NEW GoL STATEMENT

In a statement issued later today, GoL retracted its original statement with another saying it had been brought to its attention that Dr Attard Montalto later changed his vote and voted in favour of the amendment.

"In light of this, we wish to state that as far as the foundation is concerned, we are fully satisfied with Dr Attard Montalto’s pro-life position.

"Any comments or press releases given in this regard prior to this correction are therefore retracted."