Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Monday that the government respects people's different beliefs and positions on abortion, but he continued to defend the bill currently before parliament, without indicating any possible changes. "We respect the position and beliefs of everyone, we do not ignore the beliefs of anyone, and on that principle that is why we moved forward this amendment which protects a small number of doctors and women," he told reporters. The prime minister speaking about the bill on Monday. Video: Jonathan Borg Abela was asked to react after thousands took to the streets of Valletta on Sunday to protest against the proposed amendments to Malta's criminal law, which bans abortion. The bill will remove criminal liability for doctors and mothers who terminate a pregnancy because the woman's life is at risk or her health is in "grave jeopardy". The reform is being opposed by the pro-life movement, the Church, and the Opposition. Speaking on Monday, Abela stood by the reform, arguing that the government was duty-bound to act even if just one pregnant woman's life or health was in jeopardy. He repeated that the amendment "will not introduce abortion". When asked...
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