March for Life 2024 Press Release 1/12/24

Malta Stands Strong for Life: Hundreds Gather to Celebrate the Value of Every Human Life

Braving wind, rain, and cold, hundreds of passionate advocates came together in Valletta to celebrate the sanctity of life and reaffirm Malta’s place as the safest nation for unborn babies. March For Life 2024, featured stirring speeches, heartfelt testimonials, and calls to action that inspired hope and resilience in the pro-life movement.

Michaela Agius, a university medical student, opened the event with a powerful speech that resonated deeply with the crowd. “Life is a precious gift,” Agius declared. “Every life, from the moment it begins, has infinite value. We cannot remain silent when this truth is threatened. Life is not a matter of opinion; it is a fundamental principle.”

 

She emphasised the tangible support available through initiatives like Life Line and Life Network Foundation, adding, “We’re here to remind you that you have immeasurable value and that you are stronger than the challenges you face. From diapers and formula to childcare and shelter, help is available for those in need.”

The event continued with compelling contributions from two U.S.-based OBGYNs who shared their professional experiences underscoring the importance of life.

Dr. Christina Francis asserted, “Pregnancy is not a disease, and death is not healthcare.” Addressing fellow pro-life doctors, she expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you for fighting for all your patients. You are the last line of defense.” Dr. Francis also hailed Malta as “a light on a hill for the rest of the world,” celebrating its unwavering commitment to protecting life.

 

Dr. John Bruchalski, who previously was on what he described as “the dark side of choice” performing abortions, before undergoing a profound reevaluation of his medical and ethical convictions, has since become a staunch advocate for protecting both patients – mother and baby. He highlighted Malta’s unique role on the global stage, stating, “Malta is a bright light in the center of the Mediterranean for all the world, where the least are cared for, where no one is left behind.” He added that this is a legacy all Maltese people should be deeply proud of.

Dr. Miriam Sciberras, CEO of the Life Network Foundation, marked the organisation’s 10th anniversary by sharing its remarkable achievements. “In the past decade, we have supported over 150 mothers, providing safety, dignity, hope, and love so they could deliver their babies with confidence,” she said. Dr. Sciberras detailed the foundation’s life-saving initiatives, including its helpline, the central distribution hub, and “Dar Tgħanniqa ta’ Omm”, which offers shelter and support to mothers in need.

The event closed on a high note, with attendees singing the National Anthem, cheering, and pledging their commitment to keeping Malta a beacon of life in the world. Despite the challenging weather, their spirits were undampened, demonstrating the strength and unity of the pro-life movement in Malta.


Photos by Liju Kurian Raju

Perinatal Care Symposium Press Release 30/11/24

President of Malta sends message of support and encouragement to Perinatal Care Symposium hosted by Life Network.

Life Network hosted an academic symposium led by international medical professionals discussing the best ways to care for mothers and babies following a challenging medical diagnosis of a baby before birth. The medics discussed how to care for both mothers and babies and highlighted examples of best practice.

“No mother, no family, should face a challenging perinatal diagnosis on their own. Life Network is here to help” said Tonio Fenech, Chairman of Life Network, as he opened the symposium.

Dr Christine Francis from the USA, spoke about prenatal diagnosis as an instrument of care. This was followed by Prof. Giuseppe Noia from the

Gemelli Hospital, Rome, speaking about the medical advancements for both baby and mother over recent years. Dr Elaine Pace Spadoro, Dr Ethel Felice, Anna Louisa La Teano and Angela Bozzo highlighted the care necessary for all those involved in a perinatal diagnosis: the unborn baby, the mother and also the father – and highlighted the significant levels of care and support that are now available, including practical, psychological and social.

Following this Dr Dione Mifsud led a conversation with three mothers who shared their experiences of having challenging medical diagnoses for their unborn children, and how they experienced both positive and negative responses and reactions from both medical professionals and family.

 

Dr John Bruchalski gave a impassioned account of how he came to the realisation that when one truly looks after a pregnant woman, one must recognise that there are two patients, and that one must look after them both in body and spirit. He talked about the great example of integrated medicine that is available in Malta – including the great and inspiring work of Life Network Foundation.

 

The President sent greetings wishing those present “great success in their work supporting mothers and their babies”.

 

The Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-fai attended the whole conference and shared the greetings of Pope Francis. He highlighted that “maternity is not an individual business”, and thanked those who spoke for their work of protecting and promoting the dignity of both mother and

 

baby, “because every life is a gift of infinite value”. He said “I learnt a lot, a lot”.

 

Dr Miriam Sciberras, CEO of Life Network Foundation said: “It has been a wonderful day and a great encouragement that the President has sent her greetings and encouragement to all of us who work for a holistic approach to the care of pregnant women and their babies. We thank her for her inspiring support”.

 

Perinatal Care Symposium

Perinatal Care Symposium – Caring for the pregnant mother and her preborn child

All are welcome!

Of particular interest to doctors, nurses, midwives and healthcare professionals

Register here

Patricia Sandoval at March for Life 2023

Patricia Sandoval – will speak about her Escape from Drugs, Homelessness, and the Back Doors of Planned Parenthood

Patricia came from a broken home, good and bad boyfriends, three abortions, a job at Planned Parenthood (where she was told never to reveal what she saw), followed by methamphetamine addiction and homelessness.

Patricia Sandoval’s life story is an unusually gripping, hard-to-put-down ride along a journey that leads to an extraordinary triumph of God’s mercy—the mercy that waits patiently for all of us.

The way that Jesus came to her in the streets will leave you breathless, as will the heights to which God has since carried her.

If you know of someone who believes they cannot be forgiven or return to Church, this is the book to give them. (Watch the video of reader comments below.) Read Transfigured. Be Transfigured.

Patricia now travels the world as a pro life speaker, sharing her story with millions in packed stadiums and on radio and television shows, such as EWTN’s Bookmark, Life on the Rock, Women of Grace, At Home with Jim and Joy; and in Spanish, on EWTN’s Cara a Cara, Nuestro Fe en Vivo, Ellas lo Dicen, De Dos en Dos—and now on her own show with Astrid Bennett Gutiérrez: Informe Provida

Christmas is the season for Joy, Love & Peace

Christmas, a beautiful season to spread joy, love, and peace!
The Joy of Giving is far more rewarding than receiving, especially when offering support to the vulnerable.
Help Lifeline Malta by using the Reverse Advent Calendar and filling a Baby Bag for our little ones.
You can fill it alone, within your family unit, or even together with your workmates.

Mother who adopted baby with Down’s syndrome shares her inspiring story

Mother who adopted baby with Down’s syndrome shares her inspiring story

A mother who adopted a child with Down’s syndrome has shared her inspiring story.

The anonymous mother, who adopted Harry, shared her adoption story with the Metro, as part of their ‘Adoption Month’ news coverage. 

After struggles with infertility and a miscarriage, the mum decided she wanted to adopt, and was approved to adopt a child aged three or older. 

After several months in the process, she was given Harry’s profile.

“I asked specifically for a child with Down’s syndrome and the very next day, I received Harry’s details.”

Harry was a dream from day one

When the mother received Harry’s details, he was just four months old. 

Despite being only approved to adopt a child aged three or over, her unique experience meant that the adoption agency made an exception and allowed her to adopt Harry.

The mum had grown up in a family where disability was not uncommon. 

“To me, disability isn’t something unusual – it’s just a part of life. My little sister has Down’s syndrome and is just a few years younger than me, and I also have other disabled family members.”

In July 2016, after six months of paperwork, she finally got to take him home. “Harry was a dream from day one,” she said.

“My family were overjoyed when I adopted Harry.”

There were challenges of course: “When he was young, he used to often be sick at night, all over the bed, due to reflux issues. Cleaning up the vomit for the millionth time is the only time I thought to myself ‘I can’t do this’ – but you just have to grin and bear it.

“That’s what being a parent is at times!

“He is so bright and super sociable. We both love being outdoors and often walk around the lake near our house or visit animals at the nearby farm.

“To me, Harry is just a boy. Some days, I completely forget that he has Down’s syndrome.”

I’m now looking at adopting a second child

Children born with Down’s syndrome are often hard to place. “There are so many kids out there who need a home. I would absolutely encourage people to adopt a disabled child, as they can be the hardest to place but have so much love to give.”

“I’m now looking at adopting a second child, perhaps one with Down’s syndrome – but I am keeping an open mind. Fingers crossed, Harry will have another sibling next year.”

Scale of Down’s syndrome abortions

Sadly, this inspiring story takes place against the backdrop of 3,183 disability selective abortions across England & Wales in just 2019, with 656 of those occurring following a prenatal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome.

At the same time, a recent report revealed that pregnant mothers who refuse to abort their children with Down’s syndrome are being pressured by some medical professionals to change their decision.

One mother, whose child is now four-years-old, said medical professionals told her they could leave her baby with Down’s syndrome to die if it was struggling after birth.

Another mum recounted that even at 38 weeks pregnant she was being offered an abortion.

Right to Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson said, “Unfortunately there is so much stigma surrounding Down’s syndrome and more inspiring stories like this one need to be heard. But there is hope. The High Court in London will soon hear a landmark case against the UK Government over the country’s discriminatory abortion legislation, which singles out babies with disabilities by allowing terminations right through to birth for conditions including Down’s syndrome, cleft lip and club foot.”

“This young mum’s story is just one example of the positive impact that the Down’s syndrome and disability communities have across the United Kingdom. In 2019, 656 babies were aborted due to a prenatal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome. Every one of those lives lost represents a failure of our society to embrace those with disabilities inside and outside the womb.”

 

This is www.righttolife.org.uk opinion piece

Ref: https://righttolife.org.uk/news/mother-who-adopted-baby-with-downs-syndrome-shares-her-inspiring-story/