Maltese MEPs yesterday closed ranks in a message to the EU that Malta will not accept the introduction of abortion even though it is accepted in most of Europe.
The four MEPs present for the voting session in Strasbourg voted against a non-binding resolution in the European Parliament calling on member states to provide women with "easy access" to abortion.
The vote was taken on a resolution drafted by Socialist Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella on equality between men and women in the EU. Although, initially, the resolution looked like a pro-equality motion, it included a paragraph promoting abortion, which was deemed unacceptable by the Maltese MEPs.
The resolution was approved by 381 votes in favour, 253 against and 31 abstentions.
Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil joined the majority of European People's Party MEPs in voting against while Nationalist MEP David Casa was absent. On the Socialists' side, the three Maltese Labour MEPs - Louis Grech, John Attard Montalto and Edward Scicluna - were the only members of their group to vote against the motion.
The resolution emphasised that women "must have control over their sexual and reproductive rights, notably through easy access to contraception and abortion" and also that "women must have access to free consultation on abortion".
Through their vote, MEPs also invited EU member states, including Malta, and the Commission, to implement measures and actions to make men more aware of their responsibilities in relation to sexual and reproductive matters.
But despite the clear vote in favour of abortion rights, the resolution has no legal repercussions and only sends a political message.
According to the EU Treaty, the Union has no jurisdiction over abortion and the introduction of legislation on this issue is the exclusive right of individual member states.
Malta is vehemently against the introduction of abortion and has also taken measures to guarantee the status quo on this issue through a special declaration made in the Accession Treaty signed with the EU prior to membership. The declaration stresses that it is only Malta that decides on whether or not to introduce abortion legislation.
Malta is the only member state where abortion is illegal. However, other member states, such as Ireland and Poland, have very restricted laws on abortion, which is only permitted in extreme cases, particularly when the health of the mother is under threat.