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MALTATODAY 6 October 2019

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15 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 OCTOBER 2019 ANALYSIS MALTA'S PRO-CHOICE RALLY Abortion: Is the broken? is the pro-choice movement bubble?) has associated himself with the far-right Imperium Europa and its activists, first to cel- ebrate Nazi apologist Norman Lowell's birthday and more recently being interviewed on the party's YouTube channel. Even members of the far-right Moviment Patriotti Maltin at- tended. The increased militancy of the pro-life camp and its as- sociation with far-right views carries with it a big risk for the anti-abortion lobby. The growing extremism of pro- life campaigners may backfire as pro-choice arguments start appearing more mainstream and rational, especially when expressed by professionals like medical practitioners from Doctors for Choice. Yet there is also another side to this argument. The confron- tation between the two groups may well give legitimacy to the far-right, which on this issue is still in synch with major- ity views. In such Trumpian times, the far-right thrives in confrontation between so- called educated 'elites' and folksy demagogues who claim to represent "the salt of the earth". The greatest obstacle for pro-choice arguments remain deeply ingrained in cultural values, including the Maltese perception of motherhood as the destiny of all women and a code of honour-and-shame which still shuns women in full control of their sexuality. On the social media one of the most common ways of shoot- ing down female activists car- rying placards against state intrusion in their reproductive life is to ask them to refrain from having sex "if they are unwilling to face the conse- quences". 3. The first cracks have emerged in the political consensus against abortion Up till a few years ago abor- tion was still a taboo even within the most progressive political party in Malta: the Greens were often shot down for their international affilia- tions with a European politi- cal family openly in favour of abortion. MEP candidate Mina Tolu, who attended last Saturday's rally, was the first to break this taboo by calling for a debate on abortion be- fore the MEP elections. Tolu's stance triggered a split which saw Alternattiva Demokratika losing votes to Arnold Cassola, who stood as an independent; while the Democratic Party's Cami Appelgren still managed over 3,000 votes despite being attacked by anti-abortionists for being pro-choice. And while Labour remains opposed to abortion, its MEP candidates distanced them- selves from the anti-abortion lobby by shunning a question- naire seeking to commit them against abortion. Even this week, commissioner-designate Helena Dalli described herself as a committed feminist who would deliver fully on the UN goals for sexual and reproduc- tive health and rights – which includes abortion. Even the PN's attempt to turn abortion into a main is- sue during the MEP elections backfired, as people recoiled at what was widely seen as an attempt to exploit an issue which had no bearing on Eu- ropean elections. Still, despite clear signs that Labour is more tolerant to debate on this issue and that it harbours within it a silent pro-choice current, the party has made it clear that abortion is not part of its current 'pro- gressive' agenda. The eleva- tion of the staunchly pro-life George Vella to the presiden- cy has sent a strong message to socially conservative voters that Labour has no intention of rocking the boat on abor- tion, at least for the time be- ing. 4. Women are taking centre- stage in the debate Voice for Choice has put women at the centre of the debate, so the attitude taken by women, particularly politi- cal candidates and MPs, will be fundamental. The most significant aspect in the evolution of the abortion debate in Malta is that women like lawyer Lara Dimitrije- vicand academic AndreaDib- ben have taken a prominent role. Although it is also to be expected that opposition to abortion will come from wom- en who see abortion as an af- front to motherhood, women are also more likely to feel em- pathy towards the plight of other women. The anti-abortion movement would endanger itself further if it becomes an outlet for angry white male conservatives lash- ing out at independent pro- choicewomen. Yet contrary to public opinion in other coun- tries, polls show that Maltese women are more inclined to oppose abortion than men. This may well have to do with how girls are still socialised to believe that motherhood is a destiny which has to be em- braced in any circumstance. 5. They are in it for the long haul It is clear that the pro-choice movement has staying power and has not fizzled out as hap- pened to previous attempts to stir debate on this issue. It has not only withstood the conservative backlash but can now even command the sup- port of a consistent crowd of supporters. At this stage pro- choice views remain a minor- ity, which still has to contrast popular mores related to motherhood, gender roles and morality. This means that they are here for the long haul in full knowledge that changing entrenched mentalities on this issue remains a difficult task. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt The organisation of a counter- rally last Saturday attracted the usual suspects – former X Factor contestant and gay conversion witness Matthew Grech (in red t-shirt), and vangelical pastor Gordon John Manché (right)

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