The emergency contraception : a way forward in Malta?

Abstract

“Modern society broadly accepts that it is legitimate for sex to be separated from reproductive intent. In short: sex can be just for fun. But, this liberal sense of sex coexists with a widely held view that sex should also be ‘responsible’ and take place in the context of a relationship. ‘Good sex’ in the parlance of sexual and reproductive health professions, has come to mean sex where couples are able to plan and prepare to avoid the risks of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. ‘Bad sex’, conversely, is reckless, irresponsible, unprepared for, and thus unprotected and risky.” The morning-after pill is a drug which has been legalised in other countries during the nineties, yet in Malta it remains something of a taboo. The main reason for its introduction in the international markets is the prevention of unintended pregnancies in young teenagers and safeguarding the victims of rape. Due to sudden increase in awareness of women’s reproductive rights and freedoms, one cannot just sit on them. One must make sure to safeguard them. Emergency Contraception has never been defined properly to the public. There are quite a few interpretations to its functions and this study will try to put the reader in perspective so as to enable new opinions on the subject. A brief history of the drug was also included so as portray the difficulties other countries faced in order to familiarise themselves with the drug. After the introduction of the drug in the country, they began the battle to establish an over-the-counter status for it so as to increase accessibility. The objective of this study is to find a way forward in reproductive rights and freedoms, especially with an initiative to establish the use of the emergency contraception into Malta. The Maltese citizens should not be treated differently from any other citizens of other countries. The Maltese are entitled to family planning and to the right not to get pregnant if the circumstances require so. The study embraces recommendations of how Malta is to move in the right direction and promote the emergency contraception as the way to avoid unintended pregnancies and sympathise with the victims of rape. In this way, reproductive rights and freedoms will be available to women who choose to opt to them.