Minister Caruana’s comments on Maltese “natives” birth rate should be considered within the context of the currently discussed National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030, the overall economic strategy, and our wellbeing. This is why the question the Minister should be making is not – how many native Maltese will be on the island by 2050, but what will the island look like in 2050 and will it still be liveable? ADPD – The Green Party Chairperson Sandra Gauci insisted in comments on the government’s National Sexual Health Strategy.

ADPD – The Green Party considers it positive that the National Sexual Health Strategy being proposed is based on the WHO definition, but it is clear in the ensuing discussions that there are some lacunae to be addressed. Firstly despite the results of the accompanying survey about the interest in the decriminalisation of abortion, there is no indication of the will to start a separate consultation on the matter in view of the indicated responses especially as in instances of risk to life for the pregnant person 52% of respondents agreed this should be permitted, while in cases of rape/incest, 48% were in agreement.

The party stated that unfortunately, the approach to ‘migrants’ as a cohesive group is also flawed, as not all migrants will have entitlement to sexual and reproductive health care. It is however vital for the wellbeing of individuals and collectively in Malta, that all migrants irrespective of legal status are granted access to HIV medication, contraception, emergency contraception, the HPV vaccine, and moreover, free medical care for prenatal, delivery and ante-natal care during pregnancy. The minister of health and of the economy should not only care about “Maltese natives” because the ill health of anyone has an impact on the rest.