European Commission Decision on EU Funds and Abortion Travel Raises Serious Concerns

Recent developments at the European level confirm that the European Union did not fully endorse the creation of a dedicated EU fund to finance abortion travel between Member States. This is significant. It demonstrates that there is no unified agreement that the European Union should formally and explicitly support cross-border abortion.

However, while the European Commission did not establish a new, standalone abortion fund, it has confirmed that Member States may use resources from the European Social Fund (ESF) to support women travelling from countries with stricter abortion laws to those with more permissive regimes.

This development is deeply concerning.

In practical terms, it opens the possibility that countries where abortion is permitted up to birth could use EU funding to present abortion as healthcare and facilitate access for women from other Member States. Such a move would effectively reshape the purpose of EU financial instruments without proper democratic consensus. The European Social Fund was established to promote employment, social inclusion, and support for people in vulnerable situations. It was not created to subsidise abortion services or cross-border abortion travel. Redirecting these funds in this way fundamentally alters the spirit and intent of the programme.

This issue goes beyond budget lines and policy mechanisms. It concerns real human lives, unborn children whose lives are ended, and women who may experience profound emotional and psychological consequences following abortion. Public policy should prioritise care, support, and solidarity, especially in moments of crisis.

Rather than allocating public funds to facilitate abortion across borders, European institutions and national governments could invest in comprehensive support for pregnant women in difficult circumstances including improved maternity care, financial assistance, counselling, and practical support that ensures no woman feels that abortion is her only option.

The European Commission has now clarified that Member States may use EU funds, including for travel abroad, in relation to abortion services. The question now turns to national governments.

In light of this announcement, does the Government of Malta intend to make use of taxpayer-funded EU resources to finance abortion travel?

“My Voice, My Choice” … and what about the choice of European citizens?

On 24 April 2025, a European citizens’ initiative published the number of signatures it had collected. Under the individualistic name of ‘My Voice, My Choice’, it is asking the EU to fund ‘abortion tourism’, enabling women to go and have an abortion in a country that is more permissive than their own. What does this maneuvering reveal about the desire to manipulate the institutions, in defiance of the law in each country?
 
My voice, my choice! This should be in fact the watchword of all European citizens. Our voices count. Our choices count. Our votes must be respected. It is therefore particularly rude to have given this name to a European Citizens’ Initiative that directly attacks the voices, choices and expressed votes of Europeans. The Commission cannot accede to this request without seriously undermining the freedoms of citizens in EU countries.
 
In fact: in May 2008, European citizens voted in favor of the Treaty of Lisbon, which defines the respective competences of the European Union and the Member States. Article 5 of the Treaty reiterates the principle of conferral of competence, according to which EU action is strictly limited to those areas in which the Member States have conferred competence. Abortion is not an EU competence and remains the exclusive competence of the Member States, as the European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, pointed out in February 2025. The misnamed actual initiative nevertheless calls on the Commission to ‘do everything in its power to ensure that abortion is safe and accessible to all’. Its spokeswoman has announced that its aim is to introduce a right to abortion in the EU. By registering an initiative that encourages it to ‘do everything in its power’ to exceed its competences, the Commission has shown itself to be blatantly disloyal to its Member States. You can’t play with the fundamental principles of European law without setting a precedent with far-reaching consequences.
 
But the disloyalty lies above all in the subterfuge proposed to the Commission: to set up a mechanism enabling citizens to circumvent their national legislation by going to another country to obtain what they are refused, and to support this ‘solidarity effort’ financially. The ruse is clever and skillfully presented: with no concrete proposal for a funding mechanism, the Commission has been able to register this initiative without rejecting it a priori on the grounds of illegality. Above all, the stratagem borders on tartuffery. ‘The scandal of the world is what offends, and it is not sin to sin in silence’, said Tartuffe. ‘Our initiative does not aim to harmonize or interfere with the laws and regulations of the Member States but rather falls within the competence of the EU to support’, add the signatories of this initiative. Supporting what, and who? European citizens who wish to derogate from the laws legitimately established by their respective national representations? How could this be anything other than interference with Member States’ legislation? It would be unacceptable for the European Union to circumvent, undermine and thwart national political choices in this way. The Commission cannot directly contradict the legitimate choices of each Member State in the highly sensitive area of protecting unborn human life.
 
While abortion falls within the exclusive remit of the Member States, the legal protection of the dignity, right to life and integrity of every human being from the moment of conception falls within the remit of the EU. The embryo is the beginning of the development process of a human being, as established by the CJEU in the Brüstle v Greenpeace judgment. To be consistent in the exercise of its competences, the EU should put an end to European funding of activities that involve the destruction of human embryos, particularly in the fields of research, development aid and public health. This was the demand of 1.7 million European citizens united in 2014 by the One of Us citizens’ initiative. This initiative remains unrivalled, with a budget 5 times smaller than the My Voice My Choice initiative. The Commission did not follow up… At a time when it is being presented with a diametrically opposed and manifestly illegal initiative, it would be a good idea for it to remember this request – and the choices made by all European citizens in defining its competences.
The One of Us European Federation brings together 50 NGOs from 19 European countries. Life Network Foundation Malta is a member of the One of Us Federation. Our raison d’être is to defend human life and dignity before the European institutions.
 
25th April 2025
Dr Miriam Sciberras
CEO Life Network Foundation Malta

Kien iwelled it-trabi u joqtolhom

Miktuba minn Anita Vassallo Piccinino

“Bdejt nipprattika aborti meta l-fetu ma kienx għadu żviluppa l-għadam. F’dawn il-każijiet, kont nuża magna li kienet taħdem biex tiġbed b’saħħa kbira l-fetu barra mill-utru tal-omm. Meta l-fetu kien ikollu bejn 8 u 12-il ġimgħa u jkun diġà żviluppa l-għadam, kont nuża metodu aktar invażiv. Kelli strument bħal sikkina u “forceps” biex nifred il-partijiet tal-fetu minn xulxin. F’każijiet fejn il-fetu kien ikbar, kien ikun meħtieġ li nkisser ir-ras.” – Dr John

Wieħed mill-mistiedna waqt l-aħħar March for Life, Dr John, tabib li darba kien involut fi prattiċi tal-abort, tkellem dwar l-esperjenza tiegħu. Hu jiddeskrivi dawn il-proċeduri bħala ‘att barbaru’.

‘Il-March for Life’, hija mixja favur il-ħajja. Il-Fondazzjoni Life Network taħdem bis-sħiħ mhux biss biex tgħin lin-nisa li jkunu qed jikkunsidraw l-abort, iżda joffru l-għajnuna biex wara li l-ommijiet jkollhom it-tarbija tagħhom permezz tal-‘after care’, jibqgħu jieħdu ħsiebhom.

L-aftercare hija maħsuba biex tgħin lin-nisa u l-familji tagħhom jirkupraw emozzjonalment, fiżikament, u psikoloġikament, filwaqt li joffru appoġġ biex il-mara tirritorna lura fid-dinja tax-xogħol, studju u dak kollu li jkollha bżonn biex terġa’ tibda tgħix ħajjitha mill-ġdid.

Dr John beda jistaqsi lilu nnifsu ħafna mistoqsijiet. Jekk l-abort hu tassew aċċettabbli, kif jista’ jkun li 18% biss tat-tobba fl-Istati Uniti jaċċettaw li jagħmluh? Huwa jkompli jistaqsi kif f’kamra waħda fetu jkun meqjus bħala tarbija għax l-omm tridha, iżda f’kamra oħra, l-istess fetu jista’ jkun meqjus bħala xi ħaġa li tista’ tinqered għax l-omm ma tridhiex.

Esperjenza li wasslet lil Dr John ibiddel ħajtu meta darba kellu żewġ pazjenti fl-istess ġurnata. F’kamra waħda, kien hemm mara li riedet lit-tarbija tagħha, u Dr John għamel minn kollox biex it-tarbija titwieled filwaqt li f’kamra oħra, kellu mara li ma riditx it-tarbija tagħha, u Dr John wettaq l-abort. B’xokk kbir kif spiċċa mill-abort, din it-tarbija twieldet għadha ħajja u bdiet tibki. Illum, Dr John, ma baqax jipprattika l-abort iżda jaħdem bis-sħiħ biex jitkellem dwar il-valur tal-ħajja.

Dr Miriam Sciberras, is-CEO tal-Life Network Foundation, tisħaq li kull mara li tinsab f’diffikultà għandha ssib id ta’ wens. Għalhekk infetħet id-dar, ‘Tgħanniqa ta’ Omm’, fejn fiha toffri ambjent sigur għal nisa tqal li jinsabu f’sitwazzjonijiet diffiċli. Jgħinuhom f’dak kollu li jkun hemm bżonn. Jagħtuhom post fejn jgħixu, sapport kontinwu wara li titwieled it-tarbija u għajnuna essenzjali bħall-ikel u ħwejjeġ għat-tarbija.

Jekk tħossok waħdek, jekk taħseb li ħajtek spiċċat u taħseb li ma għandekx għażla oħra. Jekk qed tikkunsidra li ttemm it-tqala ftakar li hemm l-għajnuna u li m’intix waħdek.

Ikkuntattja lil-Life Network Foundation fuq: 2033 0023

Published on Newsbook.com.mt

Photo by Erika Lanzafame

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

Tarbija titwieled b’saħħitha minkejja li t-tobba ssuġġerew li jsir abort

Madwar 20 sena ilu, omm ta’ żewġt itfal li kienet qed tistenna tarbija ingħatat l-aħbar li t-tarbija fil-ġuf mhux qed jiżviluppalha l-moħħ kif mistenni, u li kawża ta’ hekk, ikun aħjar li tirreferi għall-abort, liema parir ġie rrifjutat mill-ġenituri.

Din l-istorja ħarġet fil-beraħ matul simpożju dwar il-kura ħolistika għall-familji li qed jistennew tarbija li għandha xi forma ta’ diżabilità, organizzat mil-Life Network Foundation, fejn bosta ommijiet kif ukoll professjonisti fil-qasam mediku esprimew l-esperjenzi u sitwazzjonijiet xejn faċli li jaffaċċjaw. Fosthom tkellem ukoll it-tabib John Bruchalski li minn professjonist li kien jagħmel l-abort fuq nisa tqal wasal biex sar tabib favur il-ħajja, liema konverżjoni seħħet meta kien qed iwettaq abort fuq mara u fil-pront twieldet it-tarbija li kien se jtemmilha ħajjitha qabel iż-żmien.

Christina Galea Curmi rrakkontat li vista fir-raba’ xahar tat-tqala biddlet il-ħajja tagħha u tar-raġel. Minn sken irriżulta li fuq moħħ it-tarbija bdiet tidher marka li ma setgħux jinterpretaw x’tikkonsisti. Minkejja li saru numru ta’ testijiet inkluż MRI fuq il-fetu, ir-riżultati ma setgħu jikkonkludu xejn.

Għaldaqstant, il-koppja rrikorriet għal parir minn żewġ timijiet prominenti fil-qasam mediku ta’ sptarijiet prestiġġjużi f’Londra u Boston. Wara bosta evalwazzjonijiet, l-esperti waslu għall-konklużjoni li ma kien hemm l-ebda indikazzjoni li l-moħħ tat-tarbija kien qed jiżviluppa. Minħabba t-tħassib tagħhom għall-iżvilupp newroloġiku tat-tarbija hija u tikber, il-professjonisti waslu biex issuġġerew lill-koppja tagħmel abort.

Madanakollu, il-koppja Galea Curmi rrifjutat dan il-parir, hekk kif għalihom li kienu diġà ġenituri ta’ żewġt itfal, kienu lesti li jilqgħu it-tielet wild tagħhom minkejja l-problemi li setgħet iġarrab. L-omm, Christina, qalet li kienu kommessi li jagħtu l-aħjar ħajja possibli lit-tifla tagħhom.

 

Katarina Galea Curmi

It-tarbija titwieled kompletament b’saħħitha

Meta wasal il-jum tat-twelid, Katarina twieldet b’C-section u għall-iskantament ta’ kulħadd, twieldet kompletament b’saħħitha. Għaldaqstant, il-biża’ u l-ansjetà mill-pariri li ngħataw mit-tobba sfaxxaw fix-xejn, hekk kif f’idejhom kellhom tarbija mingħajr ebda anormalità.

Għaldaqstant, matul il-konferenza Christina saħqet li l-parir tal-esperti mediċi ma kienx biss misinterpretazzjoni iżda wkoll kif minkejja l-iżviluppi mediċi li qed isiru fix-xjenza, xorta jistgħu jkunu suġġetti għall-iżball. Iktar minn hekk, semmiet kif wieħed ma għandu jissuġġerixxi t-terminazzjoni tal-ħajja għall-ebda raġuni.

20 sena wara, dik it-tarbija li skont l-esperti kellha tiġi abortita, Katarina, hija studenta li qed taħdem fil-qasam tas-saħħa u tiddedika l-ħajja tagħha fis-servizz lejn l-oħrajn. Il-ħajja tagħha, għaldaqstant, isservi bħala xhieda tal-valur fundamentali tal-ħajja tal-bniedem.

Ma’ Newsbook Malta, Katarina li tinsab fit-tielet sena tal-kors tagħha biex issir qabla – midwife – qalet li l-istudju tagħha qed jgħinha tapprezza dejjem iktar l-isfidi kbar li jgħaddu minnhom l-ommijiet u l-missirijiet fit-tqala.

Hi kompliet tgħid li l-istudju jikkonsolida l-għarfien tagħha speċjalment f’każijiet ta’ diffikultà għall-ġenituri u t-tarbija fil-ġuf. “Għalhekk napprezza dejjem iktar l-għażliet li għamlu l-mamà u l-papà,” qalet ma’ dan is-sit.

 

Katarina Galea Curmi

Min-naħa tagħha, l-omm sostniet li l-esperjenza li għaddiet minnha tiżvela l-bżonn li wieħed jistaqsi u jeżamina l-vuċijiet l-aktar b’saħħithom partikolarment dawk tal-awtorità.

Hija temmet id-diskors tagħha tistqarr li l-valur tal-ħajja ma jistax jitkejjel dejjem mill-aspett tas-saħħa jew tal-konvenjenza, iżda mid-determinazzjoni u l-fidi li twassal għal riżultati straordinarji.

Illum, il-Ħadd 1 ta’ Diċembru se jsir marċ favur il-ħajja li jitlaq mill-Pjazza Jean De Valette fil-Belt Valletta fit-3:00pm.

 

Article published by Newsbook

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”.