The government has accepted President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca's invitation for a discussion on IVF in a 'serene' environment, 'away from hostility,' on the controversial Embryo Act amendments.

In a press release sent this evening, the government said that it "welcomes the view of the President that the ideal atmosphere for such a sensitive debate should be a serene one which is far from the sense of hostility."

Coleiro Preca, concerned by the polarised debates currently under way on the proposed amendments to the Embryo Protection Act, yesterday offered to mediate the discussion, inviting parliamentarians, civil society and all stakeholders to come together around a table to have an informed debate "that fuses the ethical and moral considerations with scientific expertise for a law that fully reflects the medical potential, and its positive and negative implications for society."

"IVF treatment is a very delicate subject that has to be discussed in a serene environment that balances the heartache childless couples face with the sensitive ethical issues connected with embryos' rights," she said.

Coleiro Preca said that she is concerned by the hostility, which "unfortunately is emanating from these public debates" and appealed for calm and a longer period of reflection to enable voices to be heard."

"Whilst the government reiterates its commitment to amend the existing IVF law without much delay, and according to the electoral mandate, the government also notes that during the past legislature, as well as in this one, parliament, thanks to the Health Standing Committee, has had a long and profound discussion about IVF. Moreover, there will be the space and opportunity following the stage of the second reading and before the third, in parliament, for more talks and reflections between all parties interested," the press release said.

This was decided during a discussion held this morning between the Deputy Prime Minister and President during a meeting at San Anton Palace.

 

MGRM reiterates support for proposed amendments

 

In a separate press release, the Malta LGBTIQ rights movement (MGRM) reiterated its support for the proposed amendments to the Embryo Protection Act. According to the movement, these amendments "Redress the current discriminatory provisions in relation to same-sex couples and which also provide for access to the preservation of gametes for trans people who choose to undergo gender confirmation surgeries."

MGRM also stated its solidarity with the Malta Infertility Network.  "All children, however they are conceived, have no say in how they come into the world and have absolutely no choice as to the family they will be born into. All human beings are fruit of other people's actions, desires and choices. In this, children born through IVF are no different to other children and neither are their parents," it said.

MGRM added that research amply demonstrates that the quality of parenting rather than the gender or sexual orientation of parents is what determines the developmental outcomes and life chances of children.

MGRM also supports the opening up of IVF to single parents and supports the consideration of altruistic surrogacy. "It is a generous act no different to donating a kidney, cerebrospinal fluid or blood, all of which many find commendable," the organisation said.  

"While MGRM is always in favour of discussion and debate, opposition of a majority over a minority is not a justifiable reason to delay the introduction of measures that address discriminatory provisions. It is also hypocritical to limit access to health services which are widely available to Maltese citizens in other countries but which only those with the necessary financial means can currently avail themselves of," they concluded.