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.

 

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”.