Rising Demand for Abortion Pills in 2025 Highlights Need for Legal Reforms in Malta

The number of women in Malta accessing abortion pills through telemedicine services provided by Women on Web and Women Help Women has risen sharply in 2025. A total of 667 women received these pills, marking an 11.5% increase compared to 2024, when 590 women sought the same service. This growing trend is happening despite abortion remaining illegal in most cases in Malta. These figures reveal a pressing need to reconsider the country’s strict abortion laws and address the realities faced by women.

Year	Number of abortion packages shipped to Malta from organisations, Women on Web, and Women Help Women	Increase in %
2017	93	-
2018	92	-
2019	​128	39.1
2020	​289	55.7
2021	​356	18.8
2022	424	16
2023	491	18.3
2024	590	12
2025	667	11.5
Total	3158

A significant number of Maltese resident women travel to clinics abroad for abortion care, with a gradual increase in numbers in the post-pandemic years. Spain appears to be overtaking the UK as a destination, likely to due improving air links between Malta and Spain, cheaper procedure costs, and easier travel to Spain due to the Schengen area.

Since 2023, Women on Web have been providing an advance provision service, through which abortion medication is supplied to women who are not pregnant in case they need it in the future. The number of women in Malta who made use of this service is tabled below.

Understanding the Current Legal Context in Malta

Malta has the second most restrictive abortion laws in Europe. Abortion is illegal in almost all circumstances, including cases of rape, incest, or fatal fetal abnormalities. Women who seek abortions face legal risks, and healthcare providers cannot offer abortion services without risking prosecution.

This legal environment forces many women to turn to alternative options, such as online telemedicine services that provide abortion pills remotely. These services allow women to access medication safely and privately, often without leaving the country.

Why Are More Women Turning to Telemedicine for Abortion Pills?

Several factors contribute to the rising number of women in Malta using telemedicine to obtain abortion pills:

• Legal restrictions: The lack of legal abortion options within Malta pushes women to seek help outside the local healthcare system.

• Privacy and confidentiality: Telemedicine offers a discreet way to access abortion pills, which is crucial in a country where abortion is heavily stigmatized.

• Accessibility: Women who cannot travel abroad due to financial, personal, or logistical reasons find telemedicine a practical alternative.

• Awareness and availability: Increasing knowledge about telemedicine abortion services has made it easier for women to find and use these options.

  
  

The Impact of Illegal Abortion Laws on Women’s Health

Restrictive abortion laws do not stop abortions; they only make them less safe. When women cannot access legal abortion services, they may resort to unsafe methods or delay care, increasing health risks. Telemedicine abortion pills provide a safer alternative, but the legal risks and stigma remain significant burdens.

Women in Malta face:

• Health risks from delayed or unsafe abortions

• Legal consequences if discovered seeking or using abortion pills Prime minister Robert Abela has recently said he would not allow women to go to prison for having an abortion, but this would still entail women facing courts and other penalties which is unacceptable.

• Emotional and psychological stress due to secrecy and fear of judgment

Examples from Other Countries Show the Benefits of Legal Reform

European countries that have legalized abortion and integrated telemedicine services into their healthcare systems have seen positive outcomes:

• Ireland legalized abortion in 2018 and introduced telemedicine abortion services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This change improved access, reduced unsafe abortions, and supported women’s health.

• Portugal and Spain have also expanded access to abortion pills through telemedicine, reducing barriers for women in rural or conservative areas.

  
  

These examples demonstrate that legal reform combined with telemedicine can provide safe, accessible abortion care while respecting women’s rights.

What Legal Reform Could Look Like in Malta

To address the rising demand and protect women’s health, Malta could consider:

• Decriminalizing abortion to remove legal penalties for women and healthcare providers.

• Integrating telemedicine abortion services into the national healthcare system to ensure safe and regulated access.

• Providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, as well as free contraception and emergency contraception to reduce unintended pregnancies.

• Supporting counseling and aftercare services for women who undergo abortions.

  
  

These steps would align Malta with international human rights standards and improve health outcomes.

What This Means for Women in Malta Today

The increase in women accessing abortion pills through telemedicine signals a clear message: the current laws do not meet the needs of many women. Without legal options, women will continue to seek alternatives, sometimes at great personal risk.

Supporting legal reform means:

• Protecting women’s health and safety

• Respecting their right to make decisions about their bodies

• Reducing stigma and fear around abortion

• Ensuring equitable access to reproductive healthcare