The Malta Infertility Network expressed outrage at what it described as am "onslaught on infertile couples" in a video of a Maltese song.
In a statement, the network said it cannot but stress the importance of life. It is precisely, pro-creation and the value of life, that drives couples to seek infertility treatment, which in some instances leads the couple to consider or participate in invitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Certainly, no couple would resort to IVF without judicious need; if not for the financial aspect, certainly for the emotional aspect.
It thus comes at a surprise, it said, when people stigmatise and judge such couples; often through inaccurate, if not deceitful messages.
One such instance of unjust onslaught on infertile couples is the song ‘Iffrizajt’ performed by local artist Aleandro Pace Tahir. Such song is riddled with deceitful information; which message is very much aimed at touching emotions, yet void of any truth, the network said.
The video imagery utilised to promote the song is of a foetus; giving the impression that fully formed humans are being frozen. Such imagery is purposely being utilised since it is something the audience is more likely to relate to. Reality is much different. It is day 3, 5, 6 (post fertilisation) embryos that are frozen; at such stage, there exists no conscious ability.
At such stage, the cells have the potential to further progress into embryos, but even in natural, unassisted reproductive cycles, there exists no certainty of such progress, since the cell mass still needs to implant and develop inside the uterus. Moreover, it should be noted that not all IVF cycles lead to embryo freezing; and when performed, it is only done such that the couple may utilise the embryo in future cycles. Certainly, if the scope was to eliminate life, the couple would not even consider preserving the embryos for future cycles.
This particular song portrays a fictional, if not extremist, situation in which, for no reason, a foetus is frozen and abandoned; depicting the couple as heartless individuals with little to no concern for life. It should be noted that the concern and value for life is so strong in infertile couples, that they not only invest financially to create life, but also endure and persevere through emotion turmoil that infertility creates for them. Hence, the dissemination and promotion of false propaganda, serves no rightful purpose to society; only adding to the heartache that infertile couples endure.
This NGO said it has never deployed deceitful and emotionally manipulative means to promote its cause, nor will it shy from factual debates. It owes such, not only to infertile couples, but also to society at large. Yet, is against deceitful messages, such as in this song, since the only value it offers to society is that of negativity.
Local artists are looked upon with respect and followed by society; and the position of this NGO is no different. It is, however, their duty to ensure that such respect is not abused for whatever reason. Hence, with the utmost respect towards local artists; this NGO strongly advices such artists to research on any topic they want to touch upon and focus on disseminating truthful and value adding messages that educate and enhance our society. This is something that was not done in this case; at the expense of further burdening infertile couples, who are already struggling with emotional, medical and financial aspects of IVF, the network said.