Saturday, 30th January 2010 - 15:14CET

Toni Abela insists he is against abortion, PN accuses him of political convenience

Labour Party Deputy Leader Toni Abela insisted this afternoon that he was against abortion, but the Nationalist party said that his statement, a few days after his comments on the TV programme Dissett, were 'laughable and unbelievable'.

In a statement, Dr Abela said that a malicious campaign had been mounted against him after comments he gave on the TV programme Dissett. On the programme, he said, he had been asked about a 2003 interview by a newspaper where he was questioned about abortion in the context of the war in the Balkans.

He had made it clear on Dissett that that was the opinion he had at the time.

"I publicly declare that that I have since then changed my view and my position is against any abortion, " Dr Abela said.

He said that Joseph Muscat had made the PL's position against abortion very clear, and he agreed with that position.

Dr Abela said he was always pro-life and he was actually the only lawyer in Malta who had sought and been granted a warrant to stop a woman from going abroad for an abortion. He had given this service without charge and, Dr Abela said, he did not institute proceedings that he did not believe in.

PN REACTION

The Nationalist Party said that Dr Abela's position on abortion was shameful.

It said that Dr Abela had confirmed that he had been of the view that abortion should be allowed in certain cases, but now he was saying he had changed his view.

This, the PN said, was nothing but shameful political convenience. When he spoke freely to a newspaper, he had been in favour of abortion in certain circumstances, such as in cases where the baby had disabilities.

Dr Abela had said:

"I agree with abortion, if the life of the mother is in danger, in the case of rape and if it is certain that the unborn foetus will be a severely handicapped child."

On Dissett a few days ago, Dr Abela had reiterated his position in favour of abortion in certain circumstances, yet the PL deputy leader was now attacking those who reported that he had said. It would have been more serious and ethically correct had he apologised instead of attacking the media, the PN said.

That he was now saying that he had changed his position was laughable and unbelievable, the PN added.

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Comments

O Farrugia(on 3/2/10)

Everyone talks about "abortion" - well it seems that it's only a word for some! The implications that are involved in such a complex decision, will only affect the psychology of the mother of the unborn. This can never be adjusted by any political idea or decision or whether it is legal or illegal!

There come situations in life that bringing a child in this world, will be more traumatic for the mother and the child! Giving it up for adoption is an option but it always leaves the child with a missing sense of its biological roots; from where they really originated and how, and to whom they really belong - plus the famous WHY after which they need to find acceptance to move on! It is naturally hard and psychotherapists have to deal with the spheres where the adoptive parents will always fail to reach! For the mother it is a greater sense of loss to give up the baby person after birth especially if bonding sets in during the pregnancy or childbirth!

So please just let the 'mothers' decide for themselves! Their instincts can guide them well enough!

Joe Fenech(on 3/2/10)

And if Toni Abela was in favour of abortion: SO WHAT???????!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's not be absolutists!

J. Buhagiar(on 1/2/10)

Is it true that the PN said that Dr. Abela's opinion on abortion is shamefull !

Well I am a nationalist really. What do I do. Change to voting labour. What has women's rights got to do with what Dr Gonzi's party and/or Dr. Muscat's party, thinks. Women should be free to decide individually and for themselves.

Only three out of all EU countries outlaw abortion Poland, Ireland, Malta. As I understand it, Portugal legalized abortion too bringing the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country in line with most others. So What! These are still not not good reason! Women should be free to decide for themselves.

Otherwise as is in fact happening, it becomes a matter of who can afford the trip to go to another EU Country. Effectively, those that can afford it, proceed be they PN or LP. The poor obviously cannot and the options?: be they PN or LP, they would need to seek an illegal back street operation?

Even I do not agree with abortion is a bad statement. I personally do not BELIEVE that abortion is right. Imma, surely I cannot also feel omnipotenti and impose what I believe on others too!

J Brincat(on 1/2/10)

Much ado about nothing. Same plot when PN's back is against the wall.

Conrad Costa(on 1/2/10)

@c farrugia: Well that's precisely the point isn't it really? I don't think it's a woman's right 'over her own body' but over someone else's life that we're talking about. A woman's right 'over her own body' would be to decide to remove her mangled leg if that were stopping her from going to university. Or having a breast removed because it is cancerous. Not, in my humble opinion, 'remove' another human life because it will get 'in your way' or because 'you can't keep up your course at Uni'. If you consider that you might allow the killing of another life for your own reasons, where will it stop? Is it OK to bump off my grandma as she is a drain on my time and resources? Is it OK to do away with my kids as they take up a lot of my money? Kill my neighbour because he has down's syndrome and will never be much good? My political opponents?

Etienne Mallia(on 1/2/10)

picture your 5 year old daughter playing with her bike remember your 21 year old niece, graduating look at your grandchild's baptism photos or your son's football trophies. Imagine them all enjoying life. Now imagine if they never existed. mistakes are made, rapes occur. but the new human being's upbringing is up to YOU!

laurence schembri(on 1/2/10)

The Nationalist Party have no idea of the integrity of this man Tony Abela.

Muscat Pat(on 31/1/10)

So Dr Toni Abela is a baby eater? We are all God's children, and we are all sinners but we are not all hypocites like those attacking Dr Toni Abela. He has three kids of his own, and loves his kids as much as you love or I love them. None of us is in a position, not me, and not you, to cast the first stone. Indeed, I find it hard to believe, that this PN administration-whose negligence of the poor has imprompted a young man to steal food (cause he was poor and hungry), is in a position to preach to others about political convenience and moral dishonesty!

James Formosa(on 31/1/10)

It always has to boil down to politics!!! If he is against abortion because of political convenience so be it!! Whats the problem? People say things because of convenience and may have an opinion they keep to themselves. Politics aside I agree what Toni said about abortion. There are many circumstances that lead to abortion (some natural) and some that are necessary to save the mother's life. I am against abortion as a form of delayed contraception however I am not against abortions that are 'necessary' - who and how an abortion is deemed necessary is where the problems arise.

Emma Xerri(on 31/1/10)

What Toni Abela thinks about abortion should not be a matter of 'accusation'. If that were the case, then the PN should accuse half of the European Parliament that they think so highly about.

In an open a free democracy, everyone should be free to follow his conscience and express his opinions without fear of repercussions.

This clearly shows the hypocrisy of the PN who on the one hand wants to be part of the EU elite and seen as a progressive player in Belgium but upon landing in Malta resorts back to espousing the 'status quo' and opinions that have held sway here for hundreds of years, with certain subjects like abortion being completely taboo and cannot even be the topic of a healthy democratic debate.

C.camilleri(on 31/1/10)

Why all this fuss about who is pro or against abortion in Malta?

I, am against abortion, but then who am I to condemn others who think differently about abortion?

Are Gift of life in a position to stop Maltese women having an abortion abroad?

Gift of life may be a good cause, but they have to stop harassing people in this open minded democratic country of ours.

Charles J. Buttigieg(on 31/1/10)

@ Ernest Vella
I have it from one of our leading physicians that cases where it has to be determined which life gets the priority to be saved are extremely rare. However, when these rare cases arise, legally and morally the attending physician is obliged to focus their attention on saving the life of the baby even if the mother’s life is at risk. In another rare scenario, when the two lives are in imminent danger but the abortion of the baby would save the life of the mother, our law would still not allow an abortion. I was also given reasons to believe that in spite of the law and the teachings of the church a doctor would more than likely abort the baby.

Lino Fava(on 31/1/10)

Safejn naf jien li ulied jigu minn frott ta l-imhabba.
Stupru mhux accettat, huwa biss att annimalisk ma hu imhabba xejn.
Inhallu f'idejn il-mara li giet stuprata u hadd izjed.
Il-bqija kollha ipokresija.
Tindahhlux lill-min hu mgarrab.

Mario Bonnici(on 31/1/10)

What is 'Gift of Life' going to say now? Are they going to issue a statement? Or maybe they are leaving it to the PN do the job.

@Ernest Vella
It's easy to comment and judge when you haven't experienced the terrible trauma of rape.

Charles J. Buttigieg(on 31/1/10)

@_Michael_Seychell

My_point_is_a_simple_one_to_understand, it is very easy for any person to condemn what appears to be an evil deed committed by another person. Difficulties arise when that person is forced to make a choice in similar circumstances.

My scenario is indeed farfetched yet thousands of mothers worldwide are faced with situations equally difficult and finally put their deeply rooted stance against abortion and try to save their lives.

The immensely sad episode of the Gozo Siamese twins is still vivid in our memories. We all remember the torments of the parents before they made their final decision, we also remember some of the people’s condemnations. That story had a happy ending because the medical profession, through God’s help, saved the life of a child who would otherwise have died.

I hope that you will not come round to tell me that the Gozo episode has got nothing to do with abortion because it has.

As to your direct question, if I were a pregnant woman, which is extremely hypothetical, I think I would base my final decision depending on the severity of the handicap. In all probabilities I will not opt for abortion.

Ernest Vella(on 31/1/10)

@ Mario Bonnici - that is pure egoism towards the innocent child who have no fault for coming into the world. Two wrongs does not make one right. A raped woman must be helped to recover from the trauma. Causing another trauma by killing a child will not make the life of the woman in question better, but worse for she will be responsabile for a murder of an innocent...Life is not a game but is a right. Protecting the life of an innocent is the must of every civilized society.

If being modern and progressive will mean accepting abortion than its better for us to remain in the dark ages for a society who kills her children is not a society I want to live in.

PS.Jiena ma nafdahomx il-politici, huma min huma...ghax l-ewwel jghidu mod umbat idawruha u jergghu idawwruha ghal inkonvenjenza poltika taghhom...u mhux ghal Dr.Abela qieghed nghid imma ghall-maggoranza tal-politici...qabel mod wara iehor

Anthony Briffa(on 31/1/10)

@Antonia Dalli

Who ever says that women are baby making machines has an obtuse mind. However the excuse that a women fears for hear health after becoming pregnant does not hold ground at all. If a women does not want to become pregnant for any reason she must use any form of contraception that she pleases whilst having sex or slept alone. It is irresponsible for a women to first have sex and then contemplates abortion if she gets pregnant.

Ernest Vella(on 30/1/10)

@ Charles J.Buttigieg - f'Malta hija accettata li persuna tinghata l-kura kollha mehtiega biex issalvala hajjitha, anke jekk per konsegwenza tmut it-tarbija. Imma dak ma jissejjahx abort ghax l-intervent ma sarx biex tinqatel it-tarbija imma biex tigi salvata l-omm.

L-Abort huwa meta direttament u konxjament isir intervent mediku biex tinqatel it-tarbija, b'velenu, b'vacuum, b'ghodda etc u johorguha bicca bicca.

Victor Fiorini(on 30/1/10)

Long live Muscat's Progressives! Scared of the conservative mentality and unwilling to start the change. The PL is doomed.

V Caruana(on 30/1/10)

Unfortunatly Women ARE a baby-making machine. Case in point. A woman gets married. within a year she's pregrant she's off work and bear a child. After a few months she's back to work. For a second time she's pregrant. Off work again and bears a child. A few months later she's back to work. the second child is about 15months old. But aloha! like a tree that bears fruit she' pregnant for the third time and have the third child. the woman is off work. After a few months she's back to work. Naturally i'll ask "How do you cope." She replies "The eldest goes to school and leave the other two at my mother-in- law. My mother takes care of the eldest when school finishes. After work my husband and me will pick them up. I love children" Wow I'm amazed but smiles

G.Schembri(on 30/1/10)

And why may I as cannot a person change his mind. Many voters in 1998 changed their mind and voted for PN after having voted for MLP in 1996, and rightly so we all have a right to change our minds. Quite recently Dr Gonzi said he did not want Gay people in his cabinet, then changed his mind when he relaized many people where disgusted by such a statement. The present govenment quicly changed its mind about the monstrosity near St.John's Cathedral. Lets not forget MEPA and the Feeport extention - 2 years ago just before the election Mepa refused permission for the extention, now that the election is a long way ahead they gave their permission. Let us not forget PN pre election promises, how many U turns have we seen in the past few years?

Ray Buttigieg(on 30/1/10)

So this is what the Progressive movement of Joseph Muscat is all about. First propose ideals which to some might be progressive and Liberal than do a big U-Turn when the public opinion does not support it. I am against abortion in all circumstance unless a pregnency is a clear danger to the life of the mother. However for a seasoned politician to do such a U-turn just after a few days, just shows what moral fibre some of our politicians are made of.

This is a warning to those who believe that the Partit Laburista will introduce progressive and liberal legislation such as divorce or gay rights. They will probably make a very big U-turn as soon as the arch bishop issues a declaration.

P Agius(on 30/1/10)

@ Charles Butigieg

I am against abortion (as a general rule) but in the case you put forward i would reconsider.....particularly in view of the fact that the mother's life is in danger....but that case is an extreme one....I am against abortion if it transpires that a newborn is a disabled to be

rbuttigieg(on 30/1/10)

@ raphael vassallo... As i said before ( and i agree with it) here in Malta a woman's life comes before the unborn, eg in an ectopic pregnancy and rightly so. if it were not so we would have quite a substantial amount of deaths.
@cfarrugia.. it irks when all of a sudden the baby is sole property of the woman. out of the window goes all the hulabaloo of encouraging fathers to take part, because she wants to study !? thats very superficial indeed. would u also tolerate men who are in difficult life situation Cfarrugia or would you run to the courts to get maintainance ? having said that i agree if woman's life is in danger to give her a choice

P Muscat(on 30/1/10)

The issue here is not whether you are for or against abortion. The issue here is the overnight changing of a position on a fundamental matter like abortion. Toni Abela is the Deputy Leader of the PL and his position on such a fundmental(ist!) issue is crucial to many voters. Anyone who lives their life based on solid values and principles cannot sway on such ideological positions overnight - it reflects opportunism of the highest order.

The PL is working hard on their PR but the level of competence shows them up all the time - they can try to fool us but they will not succeed. If they do we will pay the price - like we always have when they have been in power!

Jennifer Galea(on 30/1/10)

why all this fuss about abortion? The country's gone to the dogs morally, ethically etc over everything else, so why not on abortion too? Civilisation always has its ups and downs, and the downhill trend is picking up momentum, with any reasonable position expressed by anybody being immediately being shot down as being old fashioned, dusty, old fogey etc etc.... Therefore, just open the lid, and let out the few horrors, abortion undoubtedly being one of them, still in the box, maybe one day, after facing these horrors for long enough, some to date smothered hope will come shimmering out.

Wayne Criggs(on 30/1/10)

it's time to change. i'm sure that there are PL politicians and supporters in favour of abortion. The same way that I'm sure that there are others in the PL who are against. And the same thing with PN. Why should we make a red or blue issue. People, let's become free to say what each one of us believes in, wihout having to make stupid and senseless calculations. Only then we can advance. And please media, give less importance to such unimportant news. What Toni Abela or Franco Debono believe in shouldn't be more important than what you and me believe. I'm in favour of abortion. And you?

rbuttigieg(on 30/1/10)

@andrew sciberras... that scenario is more common then you think, one such case can be ectopic pregnancy (in the tubes) and even here in malta (rightly so) they remove the ectopic pregnancy thus saving the woman. it's not that here in malta we letting women die due to such things.

Anthony Mizzi(on 30/1/10)

If there is anything laughable it is certainly the PN ....and there is certainly no need to elaborate.....

Being pro-life is also after the child is born and we have to look after and make sure that future generations have a healthy environment to live in, with the least possible pollution, black-dust, and greenery.

Being pro-life is also looking into why a child in his early teens gets arrested for stealing a chocolate bar to sustain himself in Malta 2010.

As for Political convenience - is this the PN, Gonzipn talking? If that’s not laughable, I’d call it PATHETHIC. : )

Michael Seychell(on 30/1/10)

Mr C.J Buttigieg - Charles it seem you have emulated Toni Abela and conveniently forgot to mention that Toni would consider a mother can abort if she becomes aware that she is having a handicapped child.

I have read your far fetched scenario, since in our country the number of persons having HIV is very limited, and therefore it is very improbabile that our daughters would be in the company of such unfortunate persons.

I wonder whether you would oblige to share your toughts with us commentators, and tell us what will be your reaction, if GOD FORBID, a women or 'girl' were to consider aborting a handicapped baby'

Michael Seychell
Tal Pieta

J.Borg(on 30/1/10)

@ Charles J. Buttigieg
I agree 100% with you.......as one has to see and think about this when he or one of his family is involved. And for me it's has to be there choice and noone elses.
Who is to tell that girl that has been raped that she has to live and bear the child of some who brutally attacked her.
Of course one has to be against abortion, but all these writing against what Dr.Abela said for me are all hypocrits.
They should put their hand on their heart and truly say what would they do if there daughter is brutally raped!!!!

K. abela(on 30/1/10)

This is simply a misguiding exercise by the PN spin machine. They conveniently enough did not mention in what context (That of the Balakans) did Dr.Abela speak about the abortion. IS this the kind of propoganda that the PN wants to carry forward....Simply lies and more lies.

Karl J. Borg(on 30/1/10)

@ Charles J. Buttigieg : this time I agree with you. Not only I will reconsider my position, if something like that happens to my daughter, but I will pay a fortune to save her. The same goes if something like that happens to my wife. Abortion is to be condemned, but ...................... in certain circumstances !

Marco Spiteri(on 30/1/10)

Join the facebook group: We are Maltese and we are against abortion. Nearly 3000 members in 24 hours !!!

Marcel Dingli(on 30/1/10)

Look who is talking of political convenience ! PN , taht il gvern taghkom trabi underweight mietu fl isptar ghax ma nxtarax fil hin it Total Parental Nutrition. Barra minn hekk mara li ddahlet l isptar ghal operazzjoni tas sinus hadet il meningite u ntfew il makni li kienu qed izommuha hajja. Kieku nzammet il weghda li c cittadin jista jitlob inkjesta Guddizzjarja, kieku ili li tlabtha, u ghal affarjiet ohra wkoll. Imma Alla jbierek il PN fil Gvern, vergni u martri. Dawn iz zewg kazi jmorru lura aktar minn hames snin. Issa gibthom ghall attenzjoni tal pubbliku u tal awtoritajiet koncernati. il Puluzija ma jiehdux passi ex ufficcio fdawn ??

J Catania(on 30/1/10)

Maltin favur il-hajja.....spread the message

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHTosynGkRM

R. Gatt(on 30/1/10)

@ Charles J. Buttigieg

I'm not sure if I understood your point, but if I'm not mistaken, in the case that the mother has to die in oder for the baby to live, then the mother would have the right to choose that she lives at the expense that her baby dies. In recorded history there exists a saint who was in fact declared saint for her choice to die so that her baby lives. If it were vice-versa she would not have committed any abortion.

J. Debono(on 30/1/10)

If somebody raped my daughter, I will pray to find him before the police does, so I will torture him for hours.

BUT killing an unborn child!!!

I would never live with that on my conscience,

and believe me, most mothers who have done an abortion, pass through a depressive episode, and will normally regret that decision all their life.

Antonia Dalli(on 30/1/10)

A woman will 'fall' down the stairs, a woman will go horse riding, a woman will overdose on pills, and a woman will commit suicide. You cannot stop her because it is her body.

It is criminal that we work so hard to make difficult surgeries a safe procedure, but then fail to use our skills to provide women with a safe way to end an unhealthy or unwanted pregnancy. Criminal.

'If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament.' Erica Jong

John Carmel Navarro(on 30/1/10)

Why should Toni Abela be persecuted for expressing a personal option, he does not become a bad Politician overnight. He has had to retract to toe the line; I just cannot understand why the majority of people who are against Abortion are males. One wonders if the woman is ever going to be given a say baring in mind that the baby is inside her, surely it does fall well within human rights for her to decide. Those who pontificate about the rights of the baby are just ignoring the person carrying that child. It is high time that some respect is shown to the pregnant female as to what she really wants to happen. Surely the anti lobby are not that blinkered to ignore special cases involving complications due to health issues, crime incest rape and first and foremost what the woman wants.

jesmond zammit(on 30/1/10)

naqbel mijja fil mijja ma dr abela .well said .issa min irid jilghaba tal vergni pur ,jibqa jaghmel hekk no problem . wara kollox hi ovvja li il pn qala dan kollu biex jizvijja l opinjoni publika mill hnizrija ta decizjoni li hadet il mepa. ma stahawx jinqdew b raymond caruana se jisthu jinqdew bl abort tal pn, ma tarax

P. Schembri(on 30/1/10)

I have seen Dissett. And as the old adage goes, a drowning man will clutch at straws, so the PN apologists are doing. Toni Abela expressed his own personal opinion, and emphasised that it is not the PL's policy but his own opinion, and his alone. So where's the u-turn you're all talking about? Hasn't any individual the right to express himself? Is that the democracy you all brag about? Where's the democracy if one can't express his own opinion?

If we're to measure by the same yardstick, then, the PN is still bound by its promise to remove tax altogether. It's been promised over 30 years ago. Am still waiting. Was promised by Bonello Dupuis. Does the PN still feel bound to that promise although Dupuis is no longer part of the party? There are many examples, but no, the purists here all they want to talk is about a personal opinion! Halluna!

CFarrugia(on 30/1/10)

alfred mangion
i think only the woman has the right to decide, not some male politicians who have no idea what stress a pregnancy entails
two friends of mine are pregnant at the moment and being pregnant is not exactly a pleasant experience with a lot of symptoms even if all goes well, let alone if something is wrong. If one is going to have child who one did not want in the first place, one does not exactly feel happy during the pregnancy either. i do not think any man can understand this, the consequences are on the health and socioeconomic status of the future mother and not on any male. in malta the "fathers" do not even have to pay anything for the child if they do not want to, and the female has all the stress while the man just had his pleasure. do you find this right?

ALFRED MANGION(on 30/1/10)

@Charles J Buttigieg. You are either living in fantasyland or else you must have a super-fantastic doctor since he can deduct that a girl is pregnant only a few moments after she is raped.
Can the pro-abortionists tell me what rights does a prospective father have if the woman carrying his child would decide to abort because she wants to go ahead with her job / profession?
And please stop linking abortion to rape in Malta. How many ladies get pregnant in Malta because of rape? Are not the absolute majority of unwanted pregnancies in Malta the result of some "lapsus"?

James De Giorgio(on 30/1/10)

Dear Charles J Buttigieg,

The case you mentioned is less than one in 10,00.000 chance (counting all the details you gave).

And it is cases like these which are the first step into full legalisation of abortion.

So no, I stand up to be counted to tell you straight and plain; look at Ireland, Portugal, Spain, indeed most of Europe. They all legalised abortion after first legalising the one-in-a-million chance you mentioned.

Mis-seba' tittiehed l-id.

Charles J. Buttigieg(on 30/1/10)

I am anti abortion but........

If I had a daughter who came home bleeding to death after getting raped by an HIV positive monster with one eye and no fingers on his hands and the doctors tell us that the girl’s life is in imminent danger unless she aborts, then I will reconsider my position. Any contributor who feels differently please stand up to be counted.

Antonia Dalli(on 30/1/10)

A woman is not a baby-making machine. The life of a woman comes before the potential life of any baby she might be carrying. Three Irish women are suing their country for being forced to go abroad for an abortion. One of the women became pregnant while undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer and feared for her health and that of her child. Another is a former alcoholic and drug addict whose four children were in care. She feared her pregnancy would prevent her getting her children back, and borrowed cash from a money lender to finance the termination. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/24/warren-hern-america-late-abortion

ALFRED MANGION(on 30/1/10)

@ C Farrugia - You say "what about the right of a woman to decide over her own body?".
I, for one, would support wholeheartedly the woman's right BUT I also support the right of the unborn child to see the light of day. Do you???

lgalea(on 30/1/10)

To those who are asking whether the PL Deputy Leader for Party Affairs changes again his opinion after 2013 and implying that he may use his position to become an MP and being the Deputy Leader use his influence in favour of abortion, they should know that it is specifically provided in the PL Statute that the Deputy leader for Party Affairs cannot contest the General Election or the European Parliament Election unless he shall have resigned two years before that election. So he cannot in any way use his position of Deputy Leader for Party Affairs like you are implying.
According to your arguments St Paul who saw his conversion on his way to Damascus should have never been trusted and should have never been made a Saint because he used to persecute the early Christians.

Joseph Calleja(on 30/1/10)

In a democratic society everybody is entitled to his/her opinion but the fact of the matter still remains " IT IS A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE ". I don't think that a decision like that should be left up to a politician to decide, or anybody else for that matter. Do you really believe the president of Iran when he said " there are no gays in Iran?

Mario Bonnici(on 30/1/10)

@E.Vella
And what about the right for a woman that is raped??
In that case she should decide what to do and nobody else. Do you call the child born from a rape as 'fruit of love'?
It would only be a reminder of the horrible experience.

When it comes to rape I am in favour for 'the right of choice'.

Michael Seychell(on 30/1/10)

Someone said that Toni 's statement was a concise one and this is true so much that it was 'short and snappy' BUT it was also a selective reply.

On Dissett Toni, a well versed lawyer and having an eloquent mouth, stated also that he considers that a women may abort in case she becomes aware that the unborn baby could have a disability .

It was very convenient for Tony to state that he 'forgot' to mention this statement and he mentioned only that the interview he gave 3 years ago was 'in the context of the war in the Balkans'

Michael Seychell
Tal-Pieta

Raphael Vassallo(on 30/1/10)

Out of curiosity: how many of those who commented below would prefer to see a woman die, rather than allow an abortion in cases where her life is in danger?

ALFRED MANGION(on 30/1/10)

Toni Abela is quoted above as saying that "he was always pro-life ". However, also a quote from above, Toni Abela said "I publicly declare that I have since then (since the 2003 interview) changed my view and my position is against any abortion".
Does Toni Abela know what he is saying? I wonder. He first declares that he has now changed his view and his position is against any abortion whilst further on he says that he was always pro-life.
Since he himself declares publicly that he has since the 2003 interview changed his view, he could not therefore have always been pro-life. One declaration contradicts the other.

Paul Barrett(on 30/1/10)

Why is it so necessary for everyone to be nailed down as either black or white, for or against, in everything, not just abortion. There are many shades in between black and white and a thinking human being that is not prepared to listen to an argument and be persuaded to change direction or an opinion is actually little use as a human being or indeed a Politician.

Sandra Vella(on 30/1/10)

Interview with Toni Abela...

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2003/01/05/people.html

On abortion, what were his ideas?

"I agree with abortion, if the life of the mother is in danger, in the case of rape and if it is certain that the unborn foetus will be a severely handicapped child." - Toni Abela

jbusuttil(on 30/1/10)

What a UUUUUUUUUUUUUU TURN

Mario Pace(on 30/1/10)

It seems to me that Dr. Abela has been given the "hairdryer" treatment ( Alex Ferguson's method) by his leader and told not to rock the boat ,now of all times ,when the PL is trying to welcome on board everyone and his brother.

P.Scicluna(on 30/1/10)

I wrote that I was against What I read here. But no one ever mentioned Dr abela's interview during the Balkan war. The PL and its leader are solid against abortion under all forms. butI am against all forms of abortion but GIFT OF LIFE are loosing their credibility (if they ever had) It is right to campaign against aborting an unborn child but we never saw any demonstration from gift of life against people killed during wars, children die of hunger, children stolen for organs. killing is not only abortion of unborn. This is all orchestrated to shift attention from the present bad situation to PL. Whats next?

Anthony Mizzi(on 30/1/10)

Who isn't against abortion? No one in his right mind would be in favour and what anyone contemplating abortion needs is support and responsible counseling and not making a political issue of a situation that is becoming too common in this day and age even in Malta.

If GOL is so pro-life and has no hidden agenda, as the timing indicates otherwise, why not use its resources and campaign on responsible sex education in school starting from pre-teens, including in church schools?

Education support and counseling is the solution in a country that in successive years of Nationalist administrations has lost its moral fiber.

Peter Bonnici(on 30/1/10)

@ Victor Caruana. Have you ever had an unborn child point a gun at you?

Peter Bonnici(on 30/1/10)

I believe that Norman Lowell opined this way once, and was trashed by the media across the board, including Labour's.

M Camilleri (on 30/1/10)

The way some people talk here amuse me. what if any of your daughters gets raped, would abortion pass through your mind? noooooo you are all catholic and good hearted,you might invite the rapist to the baptism or to the party afterwards.
I would personally think about abortion if i get raped and this has nothing to do about LP or PN but about me. i would be carrying the baby of a rapist and this is no joke and please stop trying to be saints in everything and stop pointing your fingers at others all the time.

Kevin Borg(on 30/1/10)

@ Victor Caruana

First of all I will never shut up because even dogs have a right to voice their opinion.

Secondly, mixing wars with abortion is like mixing ........ in Maltese we have an expression that is suited perfectly for your thoughts. But since you want an opinion here is mine.

If wars are fought to defend the sovereignty of your country than they are justified. If they are fought for oil or other reasons they are not.

Ernest Vella(on 30/1/10)

Strange...his doubts during the programm vanished in few days...now its more clear...but hope next time when asked...he must find himself to say it clear that he is against abortion without any exception...

he mentioned exceptions...that wasn't build it up...because we all understand Maltese...maybe his words were not his thoughts.

@ Mario Bonnici - you are speaking of the right of expression - but you forget that the unborn child has THE RIGHT TO LIVE - your argument falls completly

Ernest Vella(on 30/1/10)

C Galea(on 30/1/10)

"I agree with abortion, if the life of the mother is in danger, in the case of rape and if it is certain that the unborn foetus will be a severely handicapped child."
Toni Abela in an interview in Maltatoday - http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2003/01/05/people.html

Nahseb li Toni Abela mhux qed ikun onest mal-poplu Malti...dak li tfisser li tkun progressiv Ton ?

R. Caruana(on 30/1/10)

He had all the opportunity to say so in the programme, but didn't

Pressure must have been heaped on him!

A. Zahra(on 30/1/10)

@ Mario Bonnici
Remember Toni Abela was the fearless labourite who wanted to clean the party of the corrupt and violent elements it harboured. For that he was thrown out of the party. Nobody intimidates our Toni. No, he has seen the light and has been told that the position he tholds on abortion is losing the LP support, so he changed his stance. Pure and Simple. But give him a opportunity and he will be back to his original stance. Remember Labour- AD- Labour. That is Toni's political record.

Ramon Casha(on 30/1/10)

Clearly Dr. Abela will never face the prospect of getting pregnant after being raped.

http://www.ess.uwe.ac.uk/comexpert/Summary.htm#AIX

c. camilleri(on 30/1/10)

@ l galea. You forgot that convenience always plays a good part.

victor caruana(on 30/1/10)

A question to GOL, guardians of our values:

Are you in favour or against killings in wars?

Answer question to prove your consistency please. Otherwise shut up.

D Fenech(on 30/1/10)

people who do not change their opinion......stagnate!

Listen, evaluate and yes if necessary change your opinion. That is called evolution,maturity.

R Agius(on 30/1/10)

... how convenient. THIS is the new 'Movement'. Their dynamism is the swiftness with which they 'move' their beliefs and ideologies - to suit the situation. They will always say what you want to hear/ Their mantra? Opportunism!

charles Spiteri(on 30/1/10)

I believe everybody has a right to live...but the main problem is how!

Kevin Borg(on 30/1/10)

It looks like Toni Abela spent the morning on the roof top and realized that the wind is blowing in the opposite direction and that his course was against the wind. Like all his predecessors, opinions are built up according to the wind direction. As soon as he realized this he went down the roof top and came up with this deceleration that explains that what he says cannot be taken seriously because it may change a year or two later. And if Dr.Abela and his party are against abortion why have they been delaying the meeting with Gift of Life for so long? I hope we are not to seek the answer to this question in the wind !!

I am not a staunch catholic person but I believe that abortion is a crime against innocent life, be it disabled or not.

Albert Farrugia(on 30/1/10)

"I publicly declare that that I have since then changed my view and my position is against any abortion, " Dr Abela said.

What if he changes his mind again post 2013?

Dave Bonett(on 30/1/10)

Jekk xi hadd jghid li din mhux U-Turn gravi u inkonsistenza konsistenti mhux qed jghix f'dinja...

Hbieb Toni Abela ta` wara l-leader... Tahwid enormi fil-PL

J. J. Borg(on 30/1/10)

Oh no! There is someone in Catholic Malta who may have, briefly and at some point in his life, believed that women should sometimes have an abortion? How could that be? I thought we were all anti-divorce, anti-abortion and anti-anything that does not make us look like the next best thing to Heaven!

Jonathan Cini(on 30/1/10)

Proset Dr. Abela. Risposta konciza.

Vincent Galea(on 30/1/10)

We insist on pretending that abortioin is somehow a simple issue of personal choice, rather than a complex one of human life.
The recent Haiti earthquake and the Herculean efforts to find and rescue potential survivors, should shake all of us to confront not only the terrible end of so many lives but the question
of the brginnings of so many others.

Joseph Agius(on 30/1/10)

obviously it is not a vote catcher!

Antoine Borg(on 30/1/10)

'He said that Joseph Muscat had made the PL's position against abortion very clear, and he agreed with that position.'

So does a 'personal opinion' change overnight simply because the Party Leader makes a statement?

How cheap! How petty!!

Dr Abela made his personal opinion very clear on dissett. He has to be held to account for it. He is the deputy leader of the party, and, assuming, that as Dr Muscat says, the opinion of everyone is heard within party structures, I am sure Dr Abela's 'personal opinion' will have an impact on party policy.

If not, then, this leaves no doubt - Dr Muscat dictates policy on his officials and they have to abide...even if they dont beleive in it.

Dear PL, you can stay playing with words on economy, education, foreign affairs etc.. but please be clear on what you really beleive in when it comes to the life of the innocent...

CFarrugia(on 30/1/10)

what about the right of a woman to decide over her own body? this is not considered at all in malta. I had a lot of girlfriends of mine whose tertiary education was ruined when they got pregnant at university and sixth form, intelligent women who had to stop their studies because they got a baby. unfortunately we do not have enough women in parliament who fight for women's rights in malta, otherwise the situation woudl be like in all other european countries where abortion is legal. still nobody forces women to abort, it is a choice a woman can make, but in malta she does not even have the right to choose. A woman should get a baby when she wants to and have the freedom to decide. I personally would not abort but I tolerate women who are in difficult life situations and do not want their life to become even mroe problematic with a child.

Carmel Cilia(on 30/1/10)

L Calleja may I remind you that the people you politically support were against the old age pensions; voted against the vote to women; and also quite recently voted against the vote to 18 year olds. If you want to know more interest yourself in your party',s history since the time of Terrinu my friend. Biex tiscongra trid tkun altru min pur.

J.Tonna(on 30/1/10)

NAHSEB LI GIBDULU GIBDA WIDNEJH LIL Dr. ABELA.

M.Buhagiar(on 30/1/10)

IL- BUZZIEQA INFAQGHET F`WICCKOM GIFT OF LIFE!!!!

BIEX SER TOHORGU ISSA BIEX TIPPRUVAW MINN GHALIKOM TAGHTU PALATA LIL TAN- NET U L-PN eh???????

ISSA OQGHODU KWIETI

Joe Micallef(on 30/1/10)

In a recent interview you said people do not know you well!

Am I not pleased to be amongst those! You bet!

It is inconceivable that one can change his mind on such fundamental issues, that is, unless you are a celebrated political opportunist or maybe progressive! No wonder you’re Joe’s favourite …..birds of a feather flock together!

Minn fejn qed jonfoh ir-rih Guz!

Andrew Sciberras(on 30/1/10)

I would like a straight and clear answer to the following "ethical dilemma":

A women is pregnant. The pregnancy has led to serious and grave complications, so much so that her own life is in jeopardy. There is a very big chance that she will die if the pregnancy is not terminated by urgent medical procedures. In Malta she cannot have an abortion because abortion is a criminal offence under any circumstance, life-threatening pregnancy or otherwise. Therefore she has no choice but to practically sacrifice her own life for another. It could also be the case that both woman and child die.

Who decides that the life of the unborn child is more precious than an otherwise healthy 24-year old woman? What "measuring instrument" (other than biblical references and/or Catholic dogma) does one use to calculate which of the two lives is more precious? Ultimately, shouldn't this woman be given a choice as to whether she should take the very brave and admirable decision to sacrifice her life or not?

Mario Bonnici(on 30/1/10)

So 'Gift of Life' managed in its campaign, that to intimidate those who try and express their personal opinion.

L. Calleja(on 30/1/10)

Biex tara kemm dawn in-nies huma konsistenti.
"One cannot change his opinion like that on a delicate subject such as abortion. Please do not treat people like fools. Those days are over."

Toni Abela insists he is against abortion, PN accuses him of political convenience

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