Jamie Vella

Jamie Vella, an executive member of the Nationalist Party’s youth section, believes abortion should be available to “those who need it”.

Acknowledging that his views are not in line with the PN’s stand on the matter, the 18-year-old is confident that his opinion will be tolerated.

“I am fully aware that my personal opinion goes against the party line but, in spite of this, I feel fully confident to express it either way.

“I know that, although many within the party structure might disagree with my opinion, it will be respected and tolerated, as was the case with the Civil Unions Bill, for example.

“In the last two years, I have seen the PN transform into a more accepting party towards people with certain differing opinions – such as myself – while maintaining its core values,” Mr Vella said.

When contacted, a PN spokesman said: “This is entirely his personal view and it is not in line with party policy. However, he is entitled to his personal opinion and will not be victimised because of it.”

Mr Vella voiced his views through a Facebook post where he criticised anti-abortion NGO Gift of Life for their “scaremongering attitude” towards anyone who dared even discuss the prospect of abortion in Malta.

To be clear, I am in no way a promoter of abortion

“How silly, not only are they against giving women the right of choice over their own bodies (a safeguarded right in most modern democratic countries) but it seems they are also against the liberty of an open debate on the matter by attempting to shame anyone not in line with their ridiculous propaganda,” he wrote on Facebook.

Times of Malta asked Mr Vella whether this meant he was in favour of abortion. He said the reason for his post was mainly to encourage an open debate on the matter.

“I think people should be free to express whatever opinion they might have when it comes to abortion (or any other issue, for that matter) without being labelled ‘anti-life crusaders’, ‘cowards’ and whatnot...

“To be clear, I am in no way a promoter of abortion but if anyone should need one, I believe that my own personal opinion should not stand in their way.

“I am in favour of any principle that gives people the responsible authority over their own bodies. Who am I to dictate what other people should and shouldn’t do with their body? I believe abortion should be available for those who need it,” he said.

Last October, Gift of Life expressed concern over “mixed signals” on abortion and euthanasia being given by the PN following a call for a debate on the issue during a party convention. The PN immediately replied that its position remained “in favour of life” and the discussion was aimed to enable the party to discuss the issue in an informed and mature manner rather than be caught unprepared.