Abortion and methods of reproductive planning: the views of Malta’s medical doctor cohort

Malta is the only EU country where abortion remains illegal in all circumstances. This study aims to assess the previously unexplored views of Malta’s medical doctors on the legality of contraception, abortion, assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy. Following ethics approval, 1578 out of a total of 2468 registered medical doctors in Malta were invited for an anonymous survey. The response rate was 28.8% (n = 454), guaranteeing a maximum margin of error of 4.16% assuming a 95% confidence level. Responses consisted of “Yes”, “No”, and “Not sure”. In the abortion section, “Yes” responses were specific to different gestational age limits. A majority supported all contraceptive methods being legal: morning-after pill (59.7%); intra-uterine device (85.9%); surgical sterilisation (>70%). A majority also agreed with in-vitro fertilisation being legal (93.8%). Embryo freezing and surrogacy garnered less support (39.9% and 40.5% respectively). Legalising abortion for “Woman’s life in danger” and “Non-viable fetal anomaly” was supported at least up to 12 weeks gestation by 66.8% and 63.0% respectively, and in all stages of pregnancy by 54.2% and 50.2% respectively. Support, at least up to 12 weeks gestation, was less for other circumstances: “Rape or incest” (35.3%); “Preserve a woman’s physical health” (30.0%); “Preserve a woman’s mental health” (26.8%); “Viable fetal anomaly” (24.6%); “<16 years of age” (23.8%); “Economic/social reasons” (18.9%); “Any circumstance” (14.5%). According to the surveyed respondents, there is at present a clear majority of doctors in Malta who do not agree with the total legal ban on abortion and support its legalisation in limited circumstances.