Event: Abortion rights activism in Malta: re-defining gender expectations and ideals of motherhood?
Date: 26 May 2023
Time: 17:30 - 19:00
Venue: Gateway Hall D1
A public talk called "Abortion rights activism in Malta: re-defining gender expectations and ideals of motherhood?" will take place on 26 May 2023 at 17:30 at Gateway Hall D1, and it will be given by Ms Marie Kerguelen, a Ph.D. candidate in Social Anthropology at the University of Manchester.
Her current research in Malta focuses on ideals of motherhood and gender roles in Maltese society, through the lens of abortion-rights activism. Ms Kerguelen holds an M.Res. and a B.A. in social anthropology, and her previous research focused on experiences of illegal abortion in Chile and public health in Canada (Quebec).
This event is being organised by the Department of Anthropological Sciences.
Abstract
In the context of the total ban on abortion on the Maltese islands and the recent launch of abortion-rights activism in the country, this research explores the meaning of motherhood as a space of tensions and contestation. By looking at the contentious topic of abortion and the controversies it creates in different social spheres, this project aims to understand the deep-rooted values associated to motherhood in Malta, and (if) and how activism can effect social change on cultural and personal levels, but also in the ways we conceptualise and understand abortion care.
The presentation of this ongoing work will discuss the researcher’s preliminary findings thus far and will invite a discussion of the topic, within and beyond the local context.