"Tonio Borg's history of opposition to abortion - even in the case of rape - and divorce, together with his antediluvian attitude to LGBT issues are a major source of concern. Such a backward outlook can hardly be reconciled with the Commission's duty to strengthen non-discriminatory and modern health policies" she said.

Kartika Liotard who will question Borg this afternoon at Parliament's environment and health committee said "Tonio Borg has made a career out of support for some of the harshest provisions against gender-equality, LGBT-rights, reproductive rights including restrictions on pregnant women’s ability to travel outside Malta if suspected of seeking an abortion abroad. I'm astonished that somebody with this kind of views has even been nominated to have a position as Commissioner. We need improvements and leadership in Europe on these issues not a relapse into repression."

"Mr Borg's track record when it comes to sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as women's rights and LGBT rights more broadly makes him an unsuitable candidate for the post as health Commissioner" added Mikael Gustafsson, Chair of Parliament's Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee.

Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20