The Voice for Choice Coalition has emphasised the need for “scientifically accurate and objective facts, as reports suggest wholly inaccurate statements have surfaced during the ongoing nationwide debate on abortion.”

It said that in a recent statement in court claimed that there is a “79.2% survival rate” of the foetus when the woman’s waters rupture before 20 weeks (in cases of PPROM). However, an independent fact-check by the Times of Malta found this claim was “mostly false.”

According to the Coalition, “only one study suggested a 79.2% survival and and this was not applicable to pregnancies of 15 weeks – which is when Andrea Prudente started miscarrying. That same study found there were no survivors even later than that – at 17 to 19 weeks pregnancy.”

In a statement, the Coalition said that “it is also pertinent to note that the anti-choice group, Doctors for Life, have repeated this claim that studies suggest cases like Andrea Prudente’s had a “nearly 80% chance of survival in such circumstances”, in a press release last week.”

“We reiterate that it is crucial that this debate consists of objective, scientifically accurate and fact-checked information,” the Coalition said.

It insisted that “the public deserve clear facts, not misleading information. All sides of the debate have a duty to present clear and unbiased facts, and it is worrying if some feel the need to mislead others.”

“We remind the public that Bill 28 is an essential amendment to safeguard women, girls and persons who could get pregnant; even though it only allows abortions in the narrow event when there are pregnancy complications that put the person’s health in “grave jeopardy” and if the foetus is not of a gestational age where it can survive outside the womb,” the Coalition said.

The Voice for Choice Coalition demanded that PM Robert Abela “keep the spirit of the amendment alive – protecting women, girls and people in grave danger – without any delays, and to be transparent with the proposed amendments and provide these as soon as possible.”

The Voice for Choice coalition includes Young Progressive Beings, Women’s Rights Foundation, Moviment Graffitti, Doctors for Choice, Lawyers for Choice, Integra, Aditus, Men Against Violence, Parents for Choice and Malta Humanists Association.

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