"Waiting for Fetal Heart to Stop"... US Pregnant Woman Denied 'Abortion' in Malta Receives Treatment in Spain

Husband: "Strict Abortion Ban Could Kill Innocent Women"
Same Day, US Supreme Court Officially Overturns 'Roe v. Wade' Ruling That Guaranteed Women's Abortion Rights

An American couple who were refused abortion surgery in Malta and transferred to Spain. The wife, Andrea Prudende (right), and her husband, Jay Wildrayer, were photographed on September 18, 2019. Photo by Wildrayer, Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] A pregnant woman who was denied an abortion procedure in Malta ultimately crossed over to Spain to complete her treatment.

According to AFP on the 24th (local time), Andrea Prudente (38), who was 16 weeks pregnant, visited Malta, a European resort, with her husband for vacation on the 5th, but suffered severe uterine bleeding a week later.

Afterwards, her amniotic fluid broke, and an ultrasound confirmed that part of the placenta, the organ connecting her uterus and fetus, had detached. Two days later, there was no amniotic fluid left, and although the fetal heartbeat was detected, the chances of survival were slim.

However, medical staff in Malta waited only for a natural miscarriage, such as the fetal heart completely stopping. An abortion procedure was only possible if an infection threatening her life developed.

This news sparked controversy worldwide, including in Malta. Malta is the only European Union (EU) member country that completely bans abortion, where women can face up to three years in prison and doctors up to four years if they perform the procedure.

In the end, the couple was medically transferred on the 23rd to Mallorca Island in Spain, where abortion is permitted. Spain allows abortion up to 14 weeks of pregnancy and up to 22 weeks if the mother's life is at risk.

Her husband, Jay Wildreyer, said, "We arrived safely in Spain," adding, "Andrea is receiving the medical services and treatment here that were denied in Malta safely."

He continued, "Countries enforcing laws like Malta put women at risk of suffering and even death," emphasizing, "Strictly banning abortion can kill innocent women."

Wildreyer's remarks appear to be influenced by the U.S. Supreme Court's recent overturning of precedents guaranteeing women's abortion rights.

On the same day, the U.S. Supreme Court officially overturned the so-called 'Roe v. Wade' precedent, which legalized abortion up to six months of pregnancy, after 50 years.

In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled by a 7-2 majority that women's abortion rights fall under the right to privacy protected by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, the 1992 'Planned Parenthood v. Casey' case reaffirmed the protection of abortion rights.

However, last year, the Supreme Court began reviewing a Mississippi law banning most abortions after 15 weeks. This Mississippi abortion ban conflicts with the 'Roe v. Wade' ruling.

In the vote on whether to uphold the law, the result was 6 in favor (upholding) and 3 against. In the vote deciding whether to overturn the 'Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey' rulings, the decision to overturn passed 5 to 4.

As a result, constitutional rights to abortion are no longer recognized, and the existence of abortion rights will be determined by each state's government and legislature.