The location of the pickup points will be kept secret. But there is also concern that having such a procedure on water will mean the patient is subject to more health risks than if the procedure took place on land. However, a spokeswoman for Britain's Family Planning Association said that while it certainly would be preferable to have such a procedure on land, if the ship followed proper hygiene techniques it would be a preferred alternative in countries where abortion is just not an option. However, she said the FPA was not approving or disapproving of the concept of a floating abortion clinic, just working as an advocate on behalf of women's health. The country of Malta, a Mediterranean island and overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country, has already reacted with outrage to advance publicity.
Abortion is illegal in Malta and is regarded as murder.
Several newspapers have said deputy prime minister and social policy minister, Lawrence Gonzi, is ready to prosecute anyone who collaborates with Gomperts and Women on Waves. At the end of the day, it is our courts who will judge whether someone has breached the law, and if so, what the consequences will be. Poland and Ireland join Malta as European countries where abortion is still illegal. However, Women on Waves says it is Third World countries, throughout South America, Africa and Asia, that have the most need for a floating abortion clinic. Women on Waves will not just be using the ship to assist with terminating pregnancies.