29/09/2026
❗️ Disability Should Never Be Used to Silence Women
Lara Calleja, renowned local author, activist and member of Moviment Graffitti, has been targeted with vile and ableist comments by anti-choice commenters on Facebook following her sharing of an interview with pro-choice doctor Joanna Delia, published by MaltaToday.
Rather than engage with the arguments, some anti-choice commenters attacked Lara personally, linking her physical impairment to her support for the decriminalisation of abortion. A woman’s impairment is not a counterargument to her views. Using it to discredit her is ableist and sexist.
This is precisely why we must challenge the prejudice that still surrounds disability, sexuality and reproductive rights. Persons with disabilities are sexual beings, partners and parents, and withhold the same rights to autonomy, dignity and bodily integrity.
The Voice for Choice Coalition unequivocally condemns these attacks. Women, including disabled women, are advocates for their sexual and reproductive rights. Disability does not diminish a woman’s voice, agency or authority to speak about her own body, sexuality and reproductive rights. Attempts to mock, discredit or silence disabled women are unacceptable.
We stand firmly with Lara Calleja. If she chooses to pursue legal action against those responsible, we will support her in doing so.
Reproductive justice cannot be won by excluding disabled people from the conversation. We will continue to demand safe, accessible and legal abortion, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare free from stigma and discrimination.
