Tired Of Abortion Bill Rhetoric, Malta’s Disability Commissioner Opens Up About Painful Experience
The Commissioner for Disability Samantha Pace Gasan opened up about how she was told that when she gets pregnant she can do serious damage to her health.
“I have been wondering if I should go public about my personal experience or not, but believe me when I say that I am tired,” said Pace Gasan.
“I am tired of the pain I feel with every assumption and derogatory comment that comes out of the mouths of politicians, academics, professionals, friends and relatives. I’m tired of fighting against myself to stay quiet in this discussion.”
Pace Gasan has already spoken about how she is he suffered aortic rupture in 2018 that required emergency surgery, and how she was later diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects the connective tissues.
She has now revealed that medical professionals have also warned her that she could face serious risks if she ever gets pregnant. Last year, she sought further advice from a cardiologist, who told her that the risk of developing an aortic aneurysm during pregnancy is double for people with Marfan Syndrome. Since Pace Gasan had already undergone two operations on her aorta, her risk was considered to be even greater than that.
She said that the words of the cardiologist shook her and started a period of anxiety and depression, and that she immediately decided not to get pregnant intentionally.
“I am not ready to take such a risk with my life. I’m not ready to carry a baby that could lead to my death.”
The gynecologists then confirmed to her that no contraceptive is 100% effective and suggested a number of invasive options, including the permanent birth control option of tubal ligation.
Pace Gasan ended with a few words of advice and caution to the people of Malta on how to deal with the ongoing debate on the draft law on abortion.
“Stop talking about women as if we are little children who need others to make decisions for us,” she said. “It seems that if women have children, we are expected to take the lion’s share of the responsibility of raising children, but then we are not considered responsible enough to make decisions about our health and our lives.”
“It is not enough to tell us to take precautions because no precaution is ever 100% safe, and unwanted pregnancies can still occur.”
“Many of you have your opinions on the proposed amendment. While it is an opinion for you, it is a matter of life and death for me and other women who may need a termination of pregnancy.”
“Be sensitive when you speak, because it is possible that a relative, friend or colleague of yours may one day go through a similar situation. Even if you do not agree with the amendment, I am sure that if someone close to you needs this health service, you will help him travel abroad to get it. Can you hear yourselves? We want rights, not charity.”
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