Since 2015, 75 children were born through IVF procedures, and another 32 couples are currently pregnant, Health Minister Chris Fearne said in Parliament today.

Parliament was discussing the budgetary estimates for the Embryo Protection Authority for 2017.

"This is a huge success. One new birth is a success, imagine 75. I congratulate the parents and grandparents."

"Every birth is a miracle, an occasion for celebration."

"There are couples awaiting twins, and some awaiting triplets. While today's law says only two eggs should be fertilised, there are cases where three can be fertilised."

He said that law requires all fertilised eggs to be implanted into the mother.

Fearne said that the law, in this regard, should be looked at, as implanting three embryos into a mother could result in problems, "this is increasing the risk on the mother as well as the child, and one must see whether there is scope for improvement in the law for the benefit of both mother and the child."

He said that the 2012 law also states that if there is a woman suffering with infertility, and is in a stable relationship or married with a man, then the law allows medical IVF intervention for the person to be fertilised. "But through the same law, If one helps, through IVF, a woman in a relationship with another woman, then one can be sent to jail for five years." He said that this is discriminatory. He said that since the change in mentality, the time has come for the 2012 law to be revised and become more inclusive and fair for everyone, removing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation."

He said that there have been advances in science since 2012, and one sees that there is a 20% IVF success rate per cycle in Malta. "We know that there are a number of couples where it is hard for them to become pregnant. There are scientific advances that can help them become pregnant and I think its time to legislate in favour of helping these couples."

He said that the PL have an electoral mandate to change the law. "We must not speak in absolutes during that debate. We must be reasonable and use scientific arguments. He said that as an example, there are those who believe the law does not allow embryo freezing, "we have two. So the law, despite what is being said, gives permission in cases to the Embryo Protection Authority for embryo freezing."

"Let us discuss IVF in the context of new laws, new scientific advances etc, to give chance for more life, for more couples who, in a regulated and inclusive way, gives new life. Now that we have an electoral mandate, in the coming months I will put forward a new law for IVF, to make it more inclusive, cut discrimination according to sexual orientation."

In 2017, government has tied itself to increase its contribution to this authority, doubling it, he said.  "We did this in order to strengthen the authority when it comes to inspections of clinics handling IVF."

"We want this authority to have enough strength to better conduct surveillance on these clinics. We issued a call over the past days for persons with the necessary qualifications to work as inspectors with the authority. This call was issued after the election. "

"In May, government issued a legal notice and gave special leave for couples undergoing IVF procedures. These couples would have up to 100 hours between them as special leave so they can go through the procedure more serenely. There are time consuming interventions etc. which brought this about."

"This leave is for couples undergoing IVF procedures in Malta and abroad. This way we will reduce the troubles for couples undergoing this process and help those couples wanting to have children."

 

PN Shadow Minister of Health Stephen Spiteri said that he agrees the law needs to be changed for certain issues in light of other laws being discussed.

He spoke about the importance of looking at the impact of patients, on persons lives, on embryos. “It is important for the Authority to continue safeguarding against abuse. I am sure this is happening and will continue to happen.”

“IVF is a huge scientific advance. While there are new technologies and systems, it doesn’t mean that it would be good for our country, or would be applicable for patients. One needs to look at what is best for our country, for our society, what would really create a just society that everyone benefits from. “

He spoke of the importance of strict regulations and equal treatment when one seeks IVF treatment publicly or privately.

He said that there are couples who might grasp at any straw, having undergone many consultations. “IVF for many might be the last resort, and thus things must be handled delicately. This service must be the best possible and of the highest quality, existing in a uniform way in both the public and private sector. Both the mother and embryo demand the utmost respect.”

“ I have no doubt the ministry of Health will be responsible when it comes to the rights of the patients and the protection of embryos. In life one needs to make choices between what is good and what is better. I look at an embryo as a potential human being. I say potential as in such a delicate stage anything can go wrong. I assure you these failures are heart-breaking for couples”

He said that where there is need, Malta could use technology which can help in these procedures, but stressed that the mother and embryos remain at the centre of the service.

Turning to Embry freezing, he said it will bring about certain controversy, and thus one must discuss this issue. "One must see what is best for our country today, and calmly discuss, seeing what is best, then come to conclusions I understand government has good intentions, to help people with difficulties. The PN will work hand in hand, but with reserves which could be there.”