Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542372
MALTA finds itself at a cross- roads on sexual and reproduc- tive health in 2026 just as it has been at the start of every new year for the past decade. In late 2024, the government introduced its long-awaited Na- tional Sexual Health Strategy, committing the country to a more inclusive, rights-based ap- proach. Yet this progress sits uneasily alongside Malta's abortion laws, which remain among the most restrictive in Europe. Even after the limited 2023 amendment allowing termination when a pregnant person's life is in im- mediate danger, the procedure still requires approval from mul- tiple specialists. And as it stands abortion remains criminalised in almost all other circumstances. This legal framework contin- ues to shape how reproductive health is experienced in practice. Throughout 2025, the public debate on reproductive rights in- tensified. Advocates and health- care professionals have repeat- edly warned that criminalisation forces people to seek help in se- crecy and that it delays urgent medical intervention. It also un- dermines trust in the healthcare system. Criminal penalties are not merely theoretical, but a real concern, which could influence whether people feel safe access- ing care. These realities have fuelled ongoing calls for clearer safeguards for patients facing medical emergencies. The Sexual Health Strategy of- fers a genuine opportunity for progress if it moves beyond pa- per commitments. It aligns Malta with interna- tional and European health frameworks and promises im- proved sexual health literacy, wider access to c o n t r a c e p t i o n and better servic- es for marginalised groups, including sex workers, migrants and LGBTIQ+ communi- ties. With proper investment and meaningful collaboration with civil society, the strategy could strengthen prevention and care even in the absence of immedi- ate reform to abortion law. How- ever, this will require clear tar- gets and sustained political will. Small steps have already been taken when it comes to repro- ductive health. In 2025, the gov- ernment rolled out the 'End The Stigma. Period!' initiative, in- stalling machines in several sec- ondary schools across Malta and Gozo to provide free menstrua- tion products to students. This measure aims to chal- lenge the stigma surrounding menstruation, promote gender equality and reduce education- al disruption caused by lack of access to essential hygiene products. It also complements broader reforms such as the re- moval of VAT on these prod- ucts, reducing financial burdens on families and signalling a shift toward more inclusive health policies. However, at the time of writing, important gaps in services re- main. The morning-after pill has still not been added to the national for- mulary list, nor have PrEP or PEP (pre- vention and post-expo- sure HIV medicine), despite re- peated com- mitments. The government has indicated that PrEP and PEP are expected to be introduced in 2026, but delays continue to undermine confi- dence in delivery. Meanwhile, HIV and other STI cases in Mal- ta remain high compared to the EU average. Against this backdrop, 2026 stands to be a decisive year. If Malta begins to implement the Sexual Health Strategy in full the country could see concrete im- provements in sexual and repro- ductive services. These changes could include more accessible contraception, expanded testing for HIV and other STIs, additional clinics for underserved communities and stronger public education cam- paigns. Mental health support and counselling services could also be better integrated for peo- ple who receive an HIV diagno- sis or who face barriers to repro- ductive care. The coming year could also mark a shift in public attitudes. Sexual health in Malta remains heavily stigmatised. Compre- hensive, inclusive sexual health education in schools and across public platforms could help dis- mantle misconceptions and en- courage safer practices and pro- mote earlier engagement with testing and care. This should be done by framing sexual health as a core component of overall wellbeing. As these debates are unfold- ing at national level, in recent months, the European Parlia- ment and its Committee on Women's Rights have advanced measures calling for improved and more equitable access to abortion services across the EU, including recognition of repro- ductive healthcare as a funda- mental right. Although these resolutions are non-binding on member states, they increasingly expose Malta's isolationist ap- proach to abortion. In 2026 Malta should begin a shift to treat sexual and repro- ductive health as a central pillar of the national health system rather than a marginal issue shaped by fear and stigma. LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt 7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 JANUARY 2026 LOOKING FORWARD 2026 Environment Protection Act, 2016 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (S.L. 549.46) NOTICE OF SUBMISSION OF ADDENDUM TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT Excavation of existing site as an extension to the approved phase 1 (PA/02470/16) of an ensuing comprehensive project which includes the construction of underground parking and facilities and an overlying tower in accordance with FAR policy for tall buildings. & Construction of a mixed use 40-storey tower (Triq Elija Zammit) making use of FAR policy for tall buildings. The proposal will include 4 basement levels comprising of car parking, storage, plant areas and water reservoirs. The tower will consist of the following mix of uses: Class 1 residential apartments, Class 3B hotel (hotel rooms and serviced apartments) including hotel amenities (pool areas, restaurants, event halls and rooftop bar), Class 4A offices, Class 4B Retail, Class 4C & 4D Food & Beverage and dedicated spaces for technical services at different levels of the tower. The proposal also includes an open piazza with hard and soft landscaping, a retail and F&B pavilion directly connected with basement levels, public seating, ventilation vents and tables and chairs associated with F&B units. This proposal further consolidates the site from the previously approved permits PA/02470/16 and PA/06097/20 and will increase further the site area to provide a comprehensive scheme. Site at, Project Landmark, 1 Garage, 2A & 3A, Triq Santu Wistin across, Triq Elija Zammit, Paceville, San Giljan. PA/04313/25, PA/05346/25 & PA/05350/25 (EA/00046/18) Notice is hereby being given that an Addendum to the EIA Report has been submitted to the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) in connection with the above-mentioned applications. Digital copies of the Addendum are available on the ERA website: https://era.org.mt/era- project/pa04313-25_pa05346-25_pa5350-25/. Digital copies of the same document are also available at the San Giljan and Swieqi Local Councils and the ERA offices in Marsa for public inspection. Anyone who wishes to make any submissions on environmental matters should write to the Director, Regulatory Affairs Directorate, Environment and Resources Authority, Hexagon House, Spencer Hill, Marsa MRS 1441, or send an email to eia.malta@era.org.mt, by 3 rd February 2026. Date: 04 January 2026 Disclaimer: The Authority is committed to protect the personal data and privacy of the public in general. You are being informed that when making submissions, your personal data will not be disclosed or published unless within twelve (12) hours you give consent to the Authority to disclose your personal data. Provided that the Authority may disclose your personal data in those cases where it is required to do so, in order to comply with the applicable Laws. Obituary DE GIORGIO. On the 31st of December at Madliena, Marica, widow of Roger de Giorgio, aged 98, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of the Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her children Nick and Tita, Pat and Michel, Roger and Josianne, Michael and Beverley, John and Monique, her sisters Rosalie and Marie, her grandchildren, Jordan and Manuela, Alexandra and Roman, Matthias, Matthew and Solange, Kristina and Sebastian, Alexander and Roberta, Stephanie, James, Yasmin, Amber and Sasha. Her great – grandchildren, Max, Ruby, Tom, Lola, Jack, Penelope, Aella, Noah, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. The funeral cortege leaves St James Hospital, Sliema for Tal-Ibraġ Parish Church, where Mass 'presente cadavere' will be said on Tuesday 6th of January at 13.30hrs followed by internment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Hospice will be greatly appreciated. A special thanks and appreciation to Ramon and Marian for their dedicated care. Making sexual health a core part of healthcare