Abortion to be allowed when woman's health is at serious risk

Legislative amendments will be tabled in parliament next week, allowing doctors to terminate a pregnancy when a woman’s life or health is at serious risk.
The reform was unveiled on Wednesday and was described as being “pro-life” (in favour of life), by Health Minister Chris Fearne.  

The reform comes after an American tourist whose request to terminate a non-viable pregnancy was refused by health authorities.
Andrea Prudente was 16 weeks pregnant when in June she began bleeding profusely while on holiday in Malta and was told by doctors that the pregnancy was no longer viable. 
She was eventually transferred to Spain where she had an abortion.
The case cast Malta in the international spotlight attracting the attention of global media outlets.  Days later a group of 135 doctors signed a judicial protest asking for a review of Malta's blanket ban on abortion care. 
— What does the reform say?—
On Wednesday, Fearne said the State Advocate had looked into Malta’s legal regime to identify legal loopholes which need addressing following the Prudente case. 
Two instances had been identified. At present, he explained that the Criminal Code laid down that any doctor or specialist who...