Natalie Psaila Explained

Natalie Psaila is a Maltese doctor and abortion-rights advocate. She is a co-founder of Malta-based NGO, Doctors for Choice.^{[1] [2]}

Career

Psaila is a family medicine specialist.

Psaila has published a book for tweens on reproductive health, titled My Body's Fantastic Journey.

Activism

Psaila has advocated for a loosening of Malta's strict abortion laws, as well as advocating for better access to contraception.^{[3] [4]} She has received violent messages and death threats for her work.^[5] Psaila and her colleagues at Doctors for Choice have said they have seen limited action from authorities when they report these incidents.

In 2019, Psaila co-founded Doctors for Choice.

At the end of June 2023,^[6] Psaila and another doctor, Isabel Stabile, established a hotline for women who want to induce an abortion. The hotline helps patients discuss potential options abroad, and provides support for those who choose to induce abortion with medication.

Recognition

In 2023, Psaila was named to the BBC's 100 Women list,^[7] becoming the first Maltese woman to receive that honor.

References

1. Web site: Maltese pro-choice campaigner named on BBC’s list of 100 most inspirational and influential women . 2023-11-23 . MaltaToday.com.mt . en.
2. Web site: Magri . Giulia . 2023-11-21 . Maltese pro-choice doctor makes it to BBC list of 100 influential women in 2023 . 2023-11-23 . Times of Malta . en-gb.
3. Web site: 2022-11-21 . Malta proposes bill to ease EU's strictest anti-abortion law . 2023-11-23 . baynews9.com . en.
4. Web site: Psaila . Natalie . 2023-09-28 . Helping those who need an abortion . 2023-11-23 . Times of Malta . en-gb.
5. Web site: Calleja . Laura . 2022-05-04 . Pro-choice doctor reveals abuse she received: ‘Let’s kill her children and see how she likes it’ . 2023-11-23 . MaltaToday.com.mt . en.
6. Web site: 2023-07-01 . Pro-choice doctors launch abortion helpline . 2023-11-23 . Times of Malta . en-gb.
7. Web site: November 21, 2023 . BBC 100 Women 2023: Who is on the list this year? . 2023-11-23 . BBC News . en-GB.