Part 3 of 4: Is It Alright—if the Mother’s Life is in Danger?

Is It Alright—if the Mother’s Life is in Danger?

Let’s look at the second scenario. When a woman is pregnant, her health and her life may, at times, be put at risk. Complications might arise, or medical treatment has to be stopped during the pregnancy. Pre-existing conditions sometimes turn into life-threatening situations. When things go wrong, a choice may present itself.

If the mother is to be saved, the baby may have to go. But if the baby has to stay, then the mother will possibly die, leaving the husband a widower and the baby—and any other children they may have—without a mother. Therefore, it would appear to be better if the baby was sacrificed, so that the woman is given a chance to live and be a wife and mother to her other children.

So, what do the experts say?

​With the vast advances in medicine in today’s world, medical professionals say that there are never any conditions arising in pregnancy that can only be treated by performing an abortion. In fact, former Surgeon General of the United States, Dr C. Everett Koop, said:

 “The life-of-the-mother argument surfaces in every debate concerning abortion. The fact of the matter is that abortion as a necessity to save the life of the mother is so rare as to be non-existent.”

These medical experts emphasise that there is a fundamental distinction between an abortion, which is the direct termination of the baby’s life, and any other procedures or treatments they may need to resort to in an attempt to save the life of the mother. In the latter scenario, they will still do their utmost to save the baby’s life as well. If they are not successful, it is not an abortion, but a consequence of their attempt to save both lives.

“Abortion is never medically necessary.”

The above statement was a declaration by 30,000 medical doctors from the American College of Pediatricians, American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and other medical groups. They claim that pregnancy should not be treated as a disease, and abortion is definitely not healthcare because it takes away a human life.

It is very uncommon that a woman’s health or life is put in danger in the late stages of her pregnancy. However, if there is an amount of risk, abortion is never the solution. In fact, late-term abortions can take days to carry out, and they bring their own complications, risking the mother’s life even further.

In a letter signed by these doctors, they state:

“After 20 weeks fertilisation age, it is never necessary to intentionally kill the fetal human being in order to save a woman’s life. In cases where the mother’s life actually is in danger in the latter half of pregnancy, there is no time for an abortion, because an abortion typically is a two- to three-day process. Instead, immediate delivery is needed in these situations, and can be done in a medically appropriate way (labour induction or C-section) by the woman’s own physician.

We can, and do, save the life of the mother through delivery of an intact infant in a hospital where both the mother and her newborn can receive the care that they need. There is no medical reason to intentionally kill that fetal human being through an inhumane abortion procedure, e.g., dismembering a living human being capable of feeling pain, or saline induction which burns off the skin, or feticide with subsequent induction.”

Some may still argue otherwise—but not mothers!

Countless mothers around the world refused to have abortions in spite of critical health risks. Some willingly gave up their lives for the innocent babies they were carrying. Why? Because that’s what a mother does for her child, whether it has been born or not!

Two months into her pregnancy, Brit Cheryl Anderson, 32 years old at the time, received a devastating cancer diagnosis. She knew that she would not be able to receive chemotherapy without endangering her baby’s life. Nevertheless, Cheryl refused to have an abortion. In fact, so as not to risk any harm to her unborn daughter, she merely resorted to paracetamol to relieve the crippling pain she was enduring.

Cheryl bravely struggled on, knowing that, the longer her baby was in the womb, the higher her chances of survival. At six months pregnancy, doctors performed an emergency Caesarean. Cheryl came around just in time to hear that her daughter Taylor had survived—and sadly, just hours after the birth, she passed away.

29-year-old Donna Hewetson was told that the baby in her womb was gradually killing her.

The shocking news from doctors revealed to the young mother that her pregnancy had triggered a life-threatening condition. The resulting hormones were producing large tumours in her vital organs. She also suffered a ruptured kidney and collapsed lungs. The medics urged Donna to have an abortion to preserve her life.

She refused, claiming, “My maternal instinct was too strong to even contemplate a termination.” At 28 weeks, baby Lily was born by C-section, amazing the doctors by being fully healthy. Donna then began receiving treatment and, despite her uncertain long-term prognosis, she was glad she had never given up on her baby.

When her cancer returned, Elizabeth Joice also rejected abortion for her baby, even if it meant she could not receive cancer treatment. Having previously faced the possibility of infertility, the tumours in her body did not deter her, and she bravely continued with the pregnancy. She did not want to lose her chance of bringing a child into the world.

Despite having surgery, the tumour returned, but at 34 weeks, baby Lily was by then big enough to be born safely. Sadly, the doctors then discovered that Elizabeth’s body had been overrun by more tumours, and it was too late for treatment. Merely seven weeks after Lily’s birth, her mother slipped out of this world, having given up her life for her daughter.

This is indeed the pure love of a mother!

These stories are truly heartbreaking, but they reflect the natural maternal instincts which inspired these women to a truly selfless response to the threats they were facing. Regardless of the fact that their children were still in the womb, these and many other brave mothers gladly risked—and even gave up—their lives in order to give their unborn babies a chance to live.

It is true that the situation might be a little different for a woman or girl facing a pregnancy she does not want or expect. However, abortion can be avoided, because medical professionals can and do offer alternative treatments that safeguard both the lives of the mother and the baby. They may not always succeed in saving them both—but, at least, they would have tried!

Sources and links:

  1. https://www.hli.org/resources/exceptions-is-abortion-ever-permissible-2/
  2. https://www.lifenews.com/2019/03/05/30000-doctors-say-abortion-is-never-medically-necessary-to-save-a-mothers-life/
  3. https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2019/02/49619/
  4. https://vigilforlife.org/2015/05/vfl-email-5-5-2015/
  5. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/uk-mom-with-life-threatening-pregnancy-refused-abortion-advice
  6. https://nypost.com/2015/05/10/messages-left-behind-by-mom-who-made-ultimate-sacrifice/

Il-Pillola tal-Għada Filgħodu (Morning-After Pill): Kun af il-fatti

Il-Pillola tal-Għada Filgħodu (Morning-After Pill): Kun af il-fatti


Is-sopravivenza hija istint uman bażiku li jitqanqal hekk kif il-ħajja ta’ xi ħadd issib ruħha fil-periklu. Meta nifaċċjaw theddida, l-istint li naħarbu jew niġġieldu, l-iskop li nħarsu lilna nfusna, naraw li huma parti integrali minna lkoll. Ħafna minna jibqgħu ‘l bogħod minn sitwazzjonijiet li huma ta’ sogru jew ta’ periklu għall-ħajja, anke jekk dawn ikunu rikreattivi.

Dawk li jogħxew bl-adernalina għandu mnejn ifettlilhom jaqbżu minn ajruplan jew jixxabtu ma’ rdum, imma ħadd mhu se jagħmel hekk mingħajr l-apparat tas-sigurtà u mingħajr ma jieħu l-prekawzjonijiet meħtieġa. Il-ħajja prezzjuża u ħafna minna, f’każ ta’ dubju,  jippreferu jagħżlu li jkunu  kawti jekk ikun hemm l-inqas ċans li se jfeġġ xi il-periklu għal ħajjithom jew ħajjet ħaddieħor.

Mela allura, għaliex hemm min lest jilgħab ir-roulette Russa b’dik il-ħajja umana li qiegħda tifforma fil-ġuf?

​​Diġà kien hawn ħafna diskussjonijiet, artikli u dibattiti fuq il-Pillola tal-Għada Filgħodu (Morning Afer Pill), u jekk din hijiex abortifaċjenti jew le. Hawn ħafna li jsostnu li mhux vera din il-pillola għandha t-tielet funzjoni, jiġifieri li ma tħallix il-bajda fertilizzata timpjanta. Fi kliem ieħor, jgħidu li l-Pillola tal-Għada Filgħodu ma taffettwax bajda li tkun impjantata diġà, u allura m’għandhiex effett abortifaċjenti.

Kull min jagħmel ir-riċerka sew isib li ċerti studji urew li l-Pillola tal-Għada Filgħodu tassew tista’ ma tħallix il-bajda fertilizzata timpjanta fil-ġuf, spejalment jekk l-ovulazzjoni tkun diġà saret. Hawn min isostni li tqala tibda biss wara li-bajda ferilizzata timpjanta fl-utru. Effettivamnet qegħdin jgħidu li, jiġri x’jiġri lill-bajda qabel l-impjantazzjoni, qatt ma tista’ tgħid li hemm telfien ta’ ħajja.

Imma dan imur kontra x-xjenza li turina li l-ħajja tibqda mat-tnissil.

Skont l-American Association of Pro-Life Obstericians (AAPLOGG), “L-informazzjoni fuq it-tikketta ta’ Plan B tgħid li din il-mediċina ma tikkawżax abort fil-każ tqala impjantata, imma tammetti li għandu mnejn ma tħallix li ssir l-impjantazzjonu ta’ bajda fertilizzata (embrijun). Aħna noġġezzjonaw għal dan id-diskors ambigwu u qarrieqi. Li tittermina embrijun uman huwa abort, kemm qabel ma jimpjanta fl-utru u kemm qabel. Jekk il-kunsens se jkun  infurmat u xieraq ifisser li l-mara għandha tkun infurmata b’mod ċar dwar il-possibiltà li jekk tuża l-pillola tal-għada filghodu jista’ jkun hemm abort.’’

Barra minn hekk,ellaOne kimikament tixbah lill-pillola abortiva magħrufa bħala RU-486, tant li dawn iż-żewġ pilloli qishom aħwa. Fil-fatt, instab li ellaOne mhux biss iżżomm l-impjantazzjoni milli ssir, imma anke tikkawża abort tal-embrijun wara l-impjantazzjoni. Tagħmel hekk billi “ma tħallix il-progesterone jeħel mal-ħajt tal-utru u b’hekk iċċaħħad lill-embrijun min-nutrijenti li jeħtieġ biex jibqa’ jgħix.’’

Dawn l-avvenimenti jista’ jkun li huma rari, imma jiġru.

Hemm argument qawwi ħafna li l-pillola tal-għada filgħodu jista’ jfixkel il-proċessi naturali tal-iżvilupp tal-bniedem u tqiegħed fil-periklu il-ħajja. Ħadd ma għandu jwarrab dawn l-argumenti bħallikieku ma jfissru xejn. Jekk tassew hemm il-periklu, żgħir kemm hu żgħir, kull min jgħożż il-ħajja għandu jieqaf u jaħseb.
 
Il-possibiltà li din l-hekk imsejħa pillola ‘’li ma tagħmilx ħsara’’ ikollha effett negattiv fuq il-bajda fertilizzata – il-ħajja l-ġdida – hemm qiegħda. Barra minn hekk, din il-mediċina għandha s-side effects tagħha fuq il-mara li toħodha. Il-mara għandha teżamina u tiżen dan is-sogru qabel ma tirrikorri għall-pillola tal-għada filgħodu.

​Xi wħud iġibu l-argument li l-Pillola tal-Għada Filgħodu se twassal biex ikun hemm anqas aborti.

Madankollu, skont l-AAPLOG, id-data turi li anke meta n-nisa jkollhom ‘’il-kontraċezzjoni ta’ emerġenza’’ b’xejn id-dar ma nstabel l-ebda differenza fir-rati ta’ tqala mhix ippjanata jew fir-rati tal-abort. Fil-fatt, fir-Renju Unit “il-kontraċezzjonia ta’ emerġenza” ilha dosponibbli mingħajr riċetta sa mill-2001 u r-rati tal-abort fir-Renju Unit telgħu fl-ogħla livelli li qatt kienu.

​Għalhekk inħeġġu l-pubbliku ingenerali – u speċjalment lin-nisa – biex jinfurmaw ruħhom. Ninkoraġġguhom li jsiru jafu x’inhuma l-għażliet kollha qabel jieħdu deċiżjonijiet kruċjali. Irridu li n-nisa jkunu jafu li mhumiex waħidhom. Aħna dejjem lesti noffrulhom l-appoġġ, speċjalment f’każ ta’ stupru, teenagers li joħorġu tqal u sitwazzjonijiet oħra li ma jkunux kif wieħed jixtieq.

Filwaqt li nissimpatizzaw għal kollox mat-tfajla jew mara li qiegħda tiffaċċja tqala li ma tridhiex, il-ħajja ċkejkna fil-ġuf xorta waħda hija prezzjuża u jistħoqqilha l-protezzjoni wkoll. Iċ-ċirkustanzi li wasslu għat-tnissil ta’ din il-persuna ġdida ma jnaqqsu xejn mill-umanità tagħha.

Mela minn qalbna nitolbuk li taħsibha darbtejn qabel tirrikorri għal xi ħaġa li tista’ tkun ta’ theddida għall-istess ħajja.

Anke jekk il-pillola tal-għada filgħodu tista’ tinkiseb faċilment mingħajr riċetta, m’għandhiex tintuża bla ħsieb. Irridu nqisu li jista’ jkollha konsegwenzi fatali għal ħajja umana innoċenti kif ukoll li tista’ tipperikola s-saħħa tal-mara. Kun af il-fatti u ddeċiedi bil-għaqal.

U ddefendi l-ħajja, dejjem.

Artiklu miktub min Shirley Jobson 

Shirley Jobson is a freelance writer and proofreader, born and raised on the island of Malta. An avid reader and writer from a very young age, her wish is to use her skills to raise awareness about societal issues that are close to her heart. Shirley is passionately pro-life and pro-women. She is in favour of life-affirming choices and support for women in crisis, as well as safeguarding every life, from the moment of conception until natural death.

Ħoloq:​

The Dangers of the Morning After Pill
https://www.pop.org/content/dangers-morning-after-pill-0

Plan B: Abortifacient and Other Risks
https://lozierinstitute.org/plan-b-abortifacient-and-other-risks

Does the Drug “ella” Cause Abortions?
http://www.weeklystandard.com/does-the-drug-ella-cause-abortions/article/626563

The Morning-After Pill
An article by Wendy Wright, Carol Denner, R.N., and Jill Stanek, R.N.
http://concernedwomen.org/images/content/mapalec.pdf

The Morning After Pill: Know the Facts

The Morning After Pill: Know the Facts

Survival is a basic human instinct that kicks in whenever someone’s life is in danger. When threats arise, the urge to flee, the instinct to fight, the goal of self-preservation, are all innate in every human being. Many will shy away from risky or life-threatening situations, even if these are recreational.

Adrenaline junkies might jump from a plane or abseil down a cliff, but none of them will do it without the proper safety equipment and precautions. Life is precious and most of us would tend to err on the side of caution if there is the slightest risk that their own, or someone else’s, life will be endangered.

So then, why are people willing to play Russian roulette with the tiny human life forming inside the womb?

​​There have already been numerous discussions, articles, and debates about the Morning After Pill (MAP), and whether it is abortifacient or not. Many have argued that the third function, that of potentially preventing implantation of a fertilised egg, does not exist. They claim that the MAP does not affect an already implanted egg, thus negating its abortifacient quality.

Anyone who does their research well however, will find that certain studies have indeed shown that the MAP can stop the fertilised egg from implanting itself in the womb, especially if ovulation has already occurred. Some people further insist that a pregnancy does not start before the egg has implanted itself in the womb. They are effectively claiming that anything that happens to the egg before implantation does not lead to loss of life.

But this negates the scientific fact that life begins at the moment of fertilisation.

​According to the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians (AAPLOG), “the FDA labelling on Plan B states that the medication will not abort an implanted pregnancy, but allows that it may stop implantation of a fertilized egg (an embryo). We object to this deceptive doublespeak. Terminating a human embryo is abortion, whether before or after its implantation into the uterus. Adequate informed consent dictates that the woman using this medication be plainly informed of this abortifacient potential.”

​Also, ellaOne is chemically similar, and often referred to as the sister drug, to RU-486, the abortion pill. In fact, ellaOne has been found to not only impede implantation, but also to cause embryos to be aborted after implantation. It does this by “preventing progesterone from adhering to the uterine lining and thus denying the embryo the nutrients it needs to survive.”

​These events may be rare, but they can happen!

There is an extremely viable argument that the morning after pill can actually interfere with the natural process of human development and endanger life. No one should dismiss these facts as if they mean nothing. If the risk is there, however small it is, anyone who values life should stop and think.

The possibility that the fertilised egg—the new life—will be negatively affected by this so-called “harmless” pill does exist. Furthermore, this medication also carries its fair share of side effects for the woman taking it. It is worthwhile to explore and evaluate these risks before resorting to the morning after pill.

​Some people argue in favour of the Morning After Pill (MAP) by saying that it will lead to less abortions.

And yet, according to the AAPLOG, actual data demonstrates that even providing women with free “emergency contraception” on hand at home has not made a difference in the unintended pregnancy or abortion rates of women. Indeed, the United Kingdom has had over-the-counter access to “emergency contraception” since 2001 and UK abortion rates have risen to their highest levels ever.

​We therefore urge the general public—and especially women—to inform themselves. We encourage them to know their options before making any crucial decisions. We want women to know that they are not alone. We will always offer them support, especially in cases of abuse, rape, teenage pregnancies, and other less than ideal situations.

While we sympathise deeply with the girl or woman who is facing an unwanted pregnancy, the little life inside is still precious and innocent and deserves to be protected too. The circumstances leading to the conception of this new person do not make him or her any less human.

So please, think twice before resorting to something which potentially threatens life itself.

Being readily available over the counter does not mean that the morning after pill should be used recklessly. The possibly fatal consequences to an innocent human life, as well as the health risks for the woman herself, must be carefully considered. Know the facts, study the risks, and tread carefully.

​And always keep standing up in favour of life!

Article written by Shirley Jobson

Shirley Jobson is a freelance writer and proofreader, born and raised on the island of Malta. An avid reader and writer from a very young age, her wish is to use her skills to raise awareness about societal issues that are close to her heart. Shirley is passionately pro-life and pro-women. She is in favour of life-affirming choices and support for women in crisis, as well as safeguarding every life, from the moment of conception until natural death.

Links:

​The Dangers of the Morning After Pill
https://www.pop.org/content/dangers-morning-after-pill-0

Plan B: Abortifacient and Other Risks
https://lozierinstitute.org/plan-b-abortifacient-and-other-risks

Does the Drug “ella” Cause Abortions?
http://www.weeklystandard.com/does-the-drug-ella-cause-abortions/article/626563

The Morning-After Pill
An article by Wendy Wright, Carol Denner, R.N., and Jill Stanek, R.N.
http://concernedwomen.org/images/content/mapalec.pdf

Celebrating All Women on Women’s Day-Press Release

Celebrating All Women on Women’s Day

The gift of a woman including her skills, intuition, nurturing, talents and maternity need to be appreciated daily. On the 8th of March, annually, we pay tribute to women. On this day, the world stops and gives women coming from all walks of life, ages, races, nationalities, cultures, and social backgrounds the acknowledgement and merit they deserve.

Life Network Foundation Malta joins in the celebration of all women from conception to natural death. This year, we are restricted to celebrating online.

We have messages from Pro-Life women which we will be broadcasting via social media.

Empowering pregnant women is part of our mission.

Last year, through our support branch Life Line, we had the privilege to assist women who were facing crisis pregnancies. The women chose life and we celebrate saving the lives of over 30 babies. 

We are horrified to see that in 2021, with the equality battle cry full on, sex-selective abortion in other countries still leads to the death of millions of babies. A five-year study by the publication Down to Earth shows that almost 23.1 million females are missing due to sex-selective abortions in 12 Asian and European countries. Generations of women are being wiped out before they take their first breath, depriving us of mothers, sisters, nurses, teachers, doctors, scientists and explorers.

Let us, therefore, celebrate all women on women’s day – including the baby girl in the womb – who is the woman of tomorrow.

 

Happy Women’s Day!

Life Network Foundation Malta

www.staging-lifenetwork.stagingcloud.co

#ProWomenProLife

Click here to view our video clip with messages from Pro-Life women celebrating Women’s Day https://fb.watch/45vcXw50Y7/

Niċċelebraw lin-Nisa Kollha f’Jum Il-Mara

Niċċelebraw lin-Nisa Kollha f’Jum Il-Mara

Il-mara, bil-ħiliet, l-intuwizzjoni, il-kapaċità li trabbi, it-talenti u l-maternità għandna napprezzawha kuljum. Kull sena, fit-8 ta’ Mejju, nonoraw lill-mara. Bħal-lum id-dinja tieqaf u tagħti r-rikonoxximent u l-ġieħ mistħoqq lin-nisa mill-isferi kollha tal-ħajja, ta’ kull età, razza, nazzjonalità, kultura u sfond soċjali.

Life Network Foundation tissieħeb maċ-ċelebrazzjoni tan-nisa kollha mit-tnissil sal-mewt. Din is-sena jkollna bilfors niċċelebraw online biss. Għandna messaġġi minn nisa favur il-ħajja li se nxandru permezz tal-media soċjali.

Parti mill-missjoni tagħna hija l-nagħtu l-ħiliet neċessarji lin-nisa li qegħdin jistennew tarbija – u li nsaħħuhom. Is-sena li għaddiet, permezz tal-fergħa tagħna li tipprovdi l-appoġġ, kellna l-privileġġ li ngħinu lil diversi nisa li t-tqala kienet se titfagħhom fi kriżi. Dawn in-nisa għamlu għażla favur il-ħajja u nistgħu niċċelebraw il-fatt li tletin tarbija ġew salvati.

Hija sitwazzjoni tat-tkexkix li fl-2021, minkejja l-ħafna kliem u l-battalji favur l-ugwaljanza bejn is-sessi, l-abort selettiv abbażi ta’ sess qed iwassal għall-mewt ta’ miljuni ta’ trabi. Studju ta’ ħames snin mill-pubblikazzjoni msejħa Down To Eath turi li hemm kważi 23.1 miljun mara fi tnax-il pajjiż Ażjatiku u Ewropew li, minħabba l-aborti selettiv, qatt ma kellhom ċans jitwieldu. Ġenerazzjonijiet ta’ nisa qegħdin jinqerdu qabel ma jroddu l-ewwel nifs, u l-umanità qiegħda tiċċaħħad minn ommijiet, aħwa, infermiera, għalliema, tobba, xjenzati u esploraturi.

Mela, f’Jum il-Mara  ejjew niċċelebraw lin-nisa kollha, inkluża t-trabi nisa fil-ġuf – li hija l-mara ta’ għada.

Awguri, f’Jum il-Mara!
Life Network Foundation.

#ProWomenProLife

Agħfas hawn biex tara l-filmat bil-messaġġi minn nisa favur il-ħajja jiċċelebraw Jum il-Mara

https://fb.watch/45vcXw50Y7/

 

 

World Down Syndrome Day 2021-Press Release

World Down Syndrome Day 2021

Sunday the 21st of March 2021 marks World Down Syndrome Day—a day to acknowledge people with Down Syndrome and their valid contribution to society.

Until the mid-twentieth century, people with Down Syndrome were commonly institutionalised, with many of them passing away at a young age due to health problems which were largely left untreated. In recent decades, however, attitudes towards them began shifting due to growing advocacy from parents, medical staff, and various organisations. People with Down Syndrome and other conditions were increasingly accepted into society, an integration which significantly increased their life expectancy to more than double. In fact, many of them live long and relatively healthy lives well into their sixties and seventies.

Today, people with Down Syndrome lead accomplished and ordinary lives. They receive their education in mainstream schools and universities. They are able to work, volunteer, marry, and live independently. They can vote and offer a beneficial and valid contribution to society. Many speak out publicly about their condition, creating awareness through their personal backgrounds. They demonstrate that their abilities are not restricted by their condition and that they are valuable members of today’s world.

Sadly, there are countries which do not validate the lives of people with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. In Iceland, nearly a 100% of women who confirm that their unborn child has Down Syndrome choose to abort their baby. The percentage of termination after diagnosis of this condition in Denmark is 98%; in France, 77%; in the United States, 67%. These percentages are shocking and heartbreaking. Iceland boasts of eradicating the condition, but in reality this practice is merely terminating the lives of the people with the condition. If expectant mothers and parents-to-be were instead offered more support and given information about what life with a person who has Down Syndrome entails, there would be fewer of them resorting to abortion.

Here in Malta, approximately five to seven babies are born with Down Syndrome annually. Our society has come a long way in accepting this condition with all the challenges it may bring. A measure of uncertainty and misinformation may occasionally be encountered locally, especially when it comes to slower child development. However, parents of children with Down Syndrome feel that the policy of inclusion here in Malta enhances their interaction with other children and aids greatly in their education. There is a lot of support from government and private organisations, which offer therapy, financial benefits, and other assistance to families. Discrimination against people with the condition has indeed gone down significantly, and they are nearly invariably treasured by Maltese society.

Life Network Foundation values every human life, whether in the womb or out of it. The protection of children in the womb is essential, even more so when an unexpected diagnosis leads to a crisis pregnancy due to fear or uncertainty. Life Network Foundation will continue to offer support and raise awareness about Down Syndrome and other conditions, because every single person is unique and deserves to be celebrated and loved.

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

Life Network Foundation Malta

www.staging-lifenetwork.stagingcloud.co

Stqarrija dwar Abbozz 198: Abbozz perikoluz li jimmina il-Kostituzzjoni

Stqarrija dwar Abbozz 198: Abbozz perikoluz li jimmina il-Kostituzzjoni

Il-Life Research Unit  jinsab serjament imhasseb dwar l-Abbozz Nru 198.

Huwa ta’ thassib li dan l-abbozz jista’ jwaqqa’ u jgib fix-xejn sentenzi tal-Qorti Kostituzzjonali li iddecidew illi f’kull stadju ta’ proceduri  li jwasslu ghal pieni   amministrattivi  ta’ eluf ta’ ewro, ic-cittadin ghandu dritt li jidher quddiem qorti tal-gustizzja, u mhux tribunal jew ufficjali jew korporazzjonijiet pubblici.

Bl-emenda proposta ghall-Att dwar l-Interpretazzjoni, il-legislatur qed jipprova  jbiddel it-tifsira tal-Kostituzzjoni b’semplici maggoranza ta’ wiehed fil-Parlament minnflok iz-zewg terzi rikjesti.

Dan hu precedent ferm inkwetanti ghal kull min jahdem ghad-difiza tal-hajja. Jekk dan il-metodu isehh, ikun inholoq precedent ikrah, fejn kull Gvern fil-futur qarib jew mbieghed jista’ b’maggoranza ta’ wiehed fil-Parlament ibiddel it-tifsir u s-sostanza  ta’ kliem bhal  “persuna” jew “hajja“ fl-artikolu 33 tal-Kostituzzjoni  u, nghidu ahna, jeskludi it-trabi  mhux imwielda mid-definizzjoni ta’ “persuna”, jew idahhal l-ewtanasja billi jbiddel it-tifsira  tal-kelma  “hajja”.

Huwa ta thassib serju ukoll, illi b’dan l-abbozz il-Gvern  sejjer jippermetti  il-Bord tal-Ugwaljanza fl-Abbozz Nru 97 (dwar l-Ugwaljanza) sabiex jimponi pieni amministrattivi kbar (20, 000  euro multa u penali ta’ 500 ewro kuljum) fuq ghaqdiet u/jew istitzzjonijiet  li jinstabu hatja minn persuni lajci nominati mill-Gvern ta’ “diskriminazzioni”,  liema  kelma hija definita bl-iktar mod vag fl-Abbozz Numru 97 . Dan meta l-Qorti Kostituzzjonali ddecidiet li qorti biss tista’  timponi pieni   bhal dawn.

Il-Kostituzzjoni ghandha tibqa’ l-ghola protezzjoni tal-ligi f’pajjizna.

Huwa ferm importanti li jkun hawn gharfien li l- Kostituzzjoni tista’ tigi mhedda jekk isehh dan il-precedent. Ghalhekk nistiednu l-ghaqdiet kollha mhux governattivi u ohrajn midhla tal-ligi, sabiex jesprimu il-preokkupazzjoni taghhom. Nitolbu lill-ghola Awtoritajiet ta pajjizna inkluz lill-President ta’ Malta sabiex jassigura li l-Kostituzzjoni ta pajjizna ma tigix imminata. 

Il-Life Research Unit huwa l-Advisory Legal Unit fi hdan il-Life Network Foundation.

22 Marzu, 2021.

Life Network Foundation

www.staging-lifenetwork.stagingcloud.co   

 

Letter to Maltese MEPS to Vote Against the Matic Report

Letter to Maltese MEPS to Vote Against the Matic Report

Friday,11th June,2021

Dear Member of the European Parliament,

We write to you on behalf of Life Network Foundation Malta, a registered Voluntary organisation, that works towards promoting the value of each and every human life.

As might be informed, on June 23rd, the European Parliament will vote on the so-called Matić report, a proposal from the Women’s Committee.

This report is a new edition of the Estrela report, which had in 2013, proposed abortion as a fundamental human right. The European Parliament rightly rejected the Report basically on the principle of subsidiarity since matters relating to abortion are left, according to the Treaties, in the exclusive hands and jurisdiction of the member states.  

Now there is a new edition – the Matic report. This time the report, not only calls for a declaration of a so-called right to abortion as a human right; but there is also an urgent request to the member states to ensure that Pro-Life organizations shall no more be allowed to provide information and education, and to ensure that in all member states sex education be made compulsory already in primary schools, following the guidelines of the WHO.

The Matic report recommends State funding for abortion as well as an end to the possibility for medical staff to resort to conscientious objection concerning the termination of pregnancies. 

Our main objections as a network of pro-life organizations are that:

  • Abortions are expressly not part of the common European policy; they are the responsibility of the individual member states.
  • The report therefore ignores the principle of subsidiarity, which considers in particular the moral values ​​of the people of a country.
  • Each country is entitled to discuss and decide for itself on how its values ​​are shaped into laws – there are national parliaments for this. Moreover, in the case of Malta a Protocol was included in the Treaty of Accession that matters relating to abortion are to be decided by the Maltese people and no one else. 
  • Breaching the principle of subsidiarity on a matter where different views prevail, and where millions cherish the right to life of the unborn child, will fuel Euro-scepticism in the sense that the matter will be used as an example of the European institutions unnecessarily interfering with the decisions and activities of member states.
  • The proposal to restrict freedom of conscience on such a delicate matter is a serious matter, which may create a precedent for other areas of activity where conscience is involved. An annulment of this right by EU diktat on such elementary issues leads to even more disenchantment with the EU and politics and may drive voters to the parties that openly articulate this disaffection.
  • The reasoning of the report, according to which Pro Life organizations pose a threat to the right to life because they spread “false information” and pursue “nationalist goals”, is defamatory and discriminatory.
  • The European Court stated in a decision of 18 October 2011 in Oliver Brüstle Greenpeace e.V that from the moment of conception, the embryo is a human being that must be protected – this is exactly the position taken by the Pro-Life organizations who advocate this protection.
  • The Report thus lays hand on the right to freedom of expression, the right to freedom of conscience, the right to freedom of religion and, above all, the right to life for all people.

We therefore respectfully appeal to you to exercise your right to vote against the adoption of the Matic Report. In view of the fact that the vast majority of Maltese people are against abortion being treated as a fundamental human right, it is fit and proper that you express your disapproval and concern when the Report comes up for voting in the European Parliament.

We are at your disposal and available for any queries you might have or information you might request.

 

Kind regards

 

Dr. Miriam Sciberras BChD (Hons) MA Bioethics

Chairman | Life Network Foundation Malta

 

What Does It Mean to Be Pro-life?

What Does It Mean to Be Pro-life?

The definition of being pro-life, as stated by https://www.thefreedictionary.com/, is “advocating the legal protection of human embryos and foetuses, especially by favouring the outlawing of abortion on the ground that it is the taking of a human life.”

But being pro-life is so much more than that!

Being pro-life is not just about opposing abortion. It is also about being in favour of anything that protects and preserves life at all stages, from the moment of conception until natural death. It involves the promotion of life as being precious and cherished. It calls for the nurturing of life of all human beings, young and old, and providing sanctuary in practical ways to those who need it. It entails offering physical and emotional support to those who are suffering or infirm and safeguarding the life of those who are mentally unable to think for themselves.

Being pro-life means just that—for life!

There are many misconceptions about people who are pro-life in today’s society. When someone states that they are pro-life, others automatically assume that they are:

  • deeply religious and/or influenced by their belief in God
  • anti-science
  • opposed to women and their rights
  • unsympathetic towards victims of rape and incest
  • uncaring about women who find themselves facing an unwanted pregnancy
  • unwilling to help people who are suffering

These and other similar views are a very false reflection of who a pro-lifer really is.

A person who is pro-life can be an atheist or a believer. They can be Catholic, or Hindu, or following any other religion—or even no religion at all. The root of respecting life has nothing to do with theological beliefs or non-beliefs. It actually stems from the simple basic fact that every life is precious because it is alive.

And this remains true whether that life is in the womb or outside it; whether young or old; whether physically or mentally ill; whether sick or dying. There is obviously nothing wrong with being religious or believing in God. But it doesn’t automatically make a person pro-life. Loving and protecting life does!

Being in favour of life does not automatically exclude science from the equation either.

On the contrary, pro-lifers support and promote that which science continues to reveal—the main point being that life begins at conception, and therefore it deserves protection and respect from that very point onwards. The advances in science have also offered us an exclusive view of the baby inside the womb. There is also a better understanding of the side effects of birth control medication and the morning after pill on a woman’s body and her reproductive organs. And these may also be a detriment to the process of life at its early stages.

Furthermore, science continues to discover new ways of carrying out medical and routine procedures whilst safeguarding life at all times. New treatments and medications are constantly being identified to help those who are at the mercy of a terminal or debilitating disease. Therefore, science does play a very important part in the pro-life movement, especially when it is used to sustain and save life at all cost.

A pro-lifer seeks the safety and security of the life of every other person other than themselves.

This includes all men and women, whether inside the womb or out of it, at whatever age. Opposing abortion therefore does not mean that a pro-lifer is unaffected by the plight of the young girl or woman who is carrying an unwanted child, or that they do not care about the circumstances, such as rape and incest, that led to the pregnancy. It does not mean that the pro-lifer wants only to save the life of the baby, without thinking about its wellbeing after it is born. It does not entail ignoring the adults in the equation either, especially when abuse and violence is involved.

Opposing abortion means that both the lives of the woman and the unborn child are precious. In fact, many pro-life groups offer pregnancy support through crisis centres, counselling services, adoption agencies, fostering, and many other facilities that will aid the mother in practical and financial ways, as well as ensure the safety of the child.

The concept that abortion is perfectly safe for the mother is far from true.

Besides being in itself anything but a simple procedure, abortion leaves the woman with numerous physical, emotional, and psychological side effects that are largely dismissed. The truth is that women do die from abortion. They sometimes risk losing their fertility. They do end up in emergency rooms with massive complications from the procedure.

Additionally, the psychological harm often does not show up until years later. But then, as countless women testify, it often attacks with a vengeance. This is why pro-lifers support women who are dealing with unplanned pregnancies. This is the reason these women are presented with alternatives to termination—and offered counselling if they did opt for one.

This is why being pro-life means being in favour of women and their wellbeing.

As for the rights of the woman over her body, the pro-life movement accepts and respects the fact that she is entitled to them in full. However, once a baby is conceived, there is no longer one person but two, both of which have rights, the most basic being the right to live. The woman needs to take into consideration that the other person—the child in the womb—also deserves to have rights just as much as she does.

Even if the baby is conceived after rape, he or she is a victim just like its mother. That baby certainly does not deserve to pay for someone else’s crime with its own life. When the child is wanted, the mother is ready to fight for its life and for its rights, even when it’s still inside her womb. Why then should it be any different if the baby is unwanted? All of us, from the moment of conception, deserve a chance to live, to be born, to exist…to just be!

And what about the terminally ill, the infirm, and the disabled?

In all these cases, pro-life groups are more than willing to help promote improvements in palliative care and support for those who need it. Pro-lifers strongly oppose the deliberate ending of someone’s life. This is not because they do not care, but because euthanasia gives rise to a culture of death that makes life disposable.

It may be understandable that when a person is in great pain or is unable to look after even their basic needs on their own, they would want it all to end as soon as possible. In fact, a patient has every right to refuse medical treatment which will only serve to prolong their suffering.

But being deliberately helped to die by those who, by profession, should be saving lives is contradictory and anti-life.

And what about all the instances when euthanasia is used to solve depression? Or because something goes wrong in one’s life? Or even to take away the life of someone who is, or has become, disabled? The popular rhetoric is always “Why shouldn’t I do what I like with my own life?”

But this question completely ignores the fact that euthanasia cases represent a very small number of cases, compared to the hundreds of thousands of cherished people represented by disability groups worldwide, who are all in favour of protecting their vulnerable members.

Palmer Williams summed up the whole pro-life concept in the best possible way.

An Associate Counsel with the American Center for Law and Justice—which focuses on government affairs, sanctity of life, and international law—Williams stated:

“Above all, the pro-life movement is deeply rooted in the fundamental belief that all life, no matter how small or poor or unwanted, is worth protecting. 

 Those of us who are pro-life fight for the inherent dignity within every human life, no matter what the age or stage of human development. Our advocacy does not end in the delivery room. In fact, that is only where it begins.

 To be pro-life is to defend the unborn, the widows, the disabled, and the orphans, like organizations serving those with special needs or helping families adopt orphans. To be pro-life is to serve the least of these in communities next door and across oceans, like organizations who serve the homeless or refugees who have fled war zones. To be pro-life is to build institutions that promote the flourishing of all human beings.”

Source: http://aclj.org/pro-life/what-does-it-really-mean-to-be-pro-life